Sudden bus route changes spark chaos for Bangkok commuters

Chaos ensued for bus commuters in Greater Bangkok, as route changes implemented this morning left many passengers bewildered and stranded. The unannounced alterations disrupted the usual morning commute, resulting in longer wait times and confusion over the new routes.

Passengers overwhelmed the Facebook pages of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Ministry, and Bangkokbusclub.com with complaints. The sudden changes, part of what the BMTA described as “the reform of the bus lines,” saw a dozen routes handed over to new private operators and some route numbers altered.

Bangkokbusclub.com warned commuters to check route numbers carefully on its social media platform.

The BMTA introduced new bus numbers and adjusted several routes throughout Bangkok and its surrounding areas. For instance, Bus No. 101 has been rebranded as 101 (4-5) and now travels from Rama II Road to the Phra Pradaeng pier in Samut Prakan.

Commuters voiced their frustration on social media, recounting how they arrived late to work, paid higher fares, or waited in vain for buses that never appeared.

“Where is bus No. 509?”

“This is a disaster. I had a long wait. When it came, it was already packed. I don’t know if I have the energy left to work.”

“I had to read the new route info posted on the body of the bus to see which places it goes. By the time I finished reading it, the bus was leaving.”

“Bus routes from the suburbs should not be scrapped. Please listen to the voices of those who cannot afford to take public vans or taxis.”

“The ones who ride the bus don’t have a chance to provide feedback, while those who make the changes never actually ride the bus. Why did you change routes on lines that are already popular?”

Many passengers suggested that instead of altering routes, the BMTA should focus on upgrading its ageing fleet.

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri promised improvements, stating that the BMTA plans to seek Cabinet approval for renting electric buses by February next year, with a potential contract signing with a supplier in March.

Currently, the BMTA operates 2,884 ordinary and air-conditioned buses, catering to 700,000 people daily, reported Bangkok Post.