Shocking stop: Thai Smile Buses Co., face backlash as passengers left stranded

The Thai Smile Bus Company faced a barrage of criticism as their electric buses ground to a halt, leaving passengers stranded and services disrupted.

The uproar prompted an investigation into the sudden cessation of operations, revealing a deep-seated issue affecting the company’s ability to provide a reliable service.

The Corporate Communications Department of Thai Smile Bus Company Limited officially addressed the concerns that led to the service outage today, December 8. The problem stemmed from communication breakdowns within some garages, where the implementation of the Fleet Management system aimed to enhance control and supervision of every vehicle.

The disruption, it appears, was a result of a miscommunication glitch that thwarted the implementation of the Fleet Management system. This system, designed to ensure buses run in the left lane within legal speed limits and adhere to passenger pickup signs, faced internal resistance and a lack of understanding among the staff.

Reports surfaced indicating that staff failing to pick up passengers would face immediate deductions from the system, a measure aimed at enforcing timely services. However, due to communication discrepancies and resistance from some staff members, this mechanism failed to function as intended.

Routes experienced delays, inconveniencing passengers and sparking widespread frustration. Thai Smile Bus Company, in response to the crisis, took swift action to rectify the communication breakdown and vowed to reinstate normal bus services on all routes promptly, reported KhaoSod.

In a formal statement, the Corporate Communications Department expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that their complaints were being taken seriously. The company pledged to explore every avenue to elevate the standard of public transportation, prioritising safety and convenience for all citizens.

The statement urged affected passengers to report service issues promptly, providing the bus number and route information to the Call Center number 02-405-9789, option 1. The company promised swift and severe action against any lapses in service, reinforcing its commitment to providing a top-notch public transport experience.