Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is poised for enhancements this year, with plans to introduce electric buses to its fleet starting in July. The system is also set to undergo an expansion of its route.
Sitthiporn Somkitsan, deputy director-general of the Traffic and Transport Department within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), stated to the Bangkok Post that a contract has been inked with Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) for the provision of 23 electric buses to operate on the route. The five-year contract, valued at 465 million baht, will see BTSC source these buses from China. These electric buses will come equipped with doors that can open on both sides, accommodating the differing configurations of bus stops along the BRT line.
Furthermore, the route is slated for an extension, with two additional stops planned along the 15.7-kilometer bus line connecting Sathon and Ratchapruek roads, specifically at Chan-Narathiwat intersection and Narathiwat-Ratchada intersection. An additional 2 kilometers will be added to the route, extending from Sathon Road to Rama IV Road to provide an interchange point with the MRT Blue Line at Lumpini Station.
Operating hours will be adjusted based on passenger demand, with services operational daily from 6am to 10pm. During peak hours, a higher frequency of buses is anticipated with departures every seven minutes, compared to every 15 minutes during off-peak times. The fare will be capped at 15 baht for the complete route.
Initially introduced in 2004 and launched in 2010, the BRT system faced early criticisms regarding its impact on road space and traffic flow. Despite these challenges, a public poll in 2017 confirmed the desire to retain the BRT service. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a drop in ridership and financial losses, prompting the service to be offered for free during the crisis period.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt aims to increase the daily passenger count on the BRT to 13,000 and is implementing electric buses to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. The BMA estimates that transitioning to electric buses could slash operating costs by more than half, from 19 million baht to 8 million baht per month, while also benefiting the environment.
Regular BRT user Bunchai Chuachanwong welcomed the improvements and route expansion but emphasized the importance of maintaining the buses and efficiently managing the route to enhance the overall commuter experience and encourage more people to utilize public transport.
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