Transport Ministry to propose BMTA overhaul plan to Cabinet

[webfact]

Transport Ministry to propose BMTA overhaul plan to Cabinet

 

   

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport has begun a public forum to gather input on the coming upgrade of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), which includes the renting of some 2,000 buses plus maintenance by private companies and changes to the network of bus routes. The plans will be proposed to the Cabinet this month.

 

A brainstorming workshop on the restoration of the BMTA was held by the BMTA itself to gather input from all stakeholders on the proposed improvement of services and business performance.

 

The BMTA is planning to overhaul its operations by renting 2,511 air conditioned buses inclusive of maintenance from private companies, with rent paid according to the actual usage of the vehicles. The buses will be operated by BMTA employees.

 

The current network will be adjusted to improve service efficiency, and reduce the length of each bus route, so as to serve as feeder services to other modes of transportation, particularly metro lines in the future. This change will reduce the number of buses on the road at any particular time, leading to a decrease in pollution emissions and accident risk.

 

The BMTA is planning to cut back all 208 of its bus routes and keep only104 routes, which will reduce the number of buses in service from 6,000 to only 3,000-3,500 buses. In addition, a day pass will be introduced at 30 baht per passenger, allowing unlimited trips on one day at better value. These plans are to be consolidated and proposed to the Cabinet within the course of this month.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2020-01-16

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[Wiggy]

What happened to all the new buses they just bought? Or is that a silly question?

[Srikcir]

10 hours ago, Wiggy said:

What happened to all the new buses they just bought? Or is that a silly question?

To date I believe that BMTA has purchased two orders of new Chinese NGV buses of 489 each with separate delivery years (2018 & 2019?) and currently placed in service.

BMTA did consider renting electric buses from China in 2016 https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/884797-bangkok-mta-considers-renting-electric-buses-from-china-as-it-is-cheaper/

Originally Ministry of Transport planned in 2015 on procuring 2,694 NGV buses. 

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/805047-thai-transport-minister-urges-feasibility-study-for-electric-buses/

So trying to "connect some dots," BMTA might be cutting back its original planned purchase number of new NGV buses and leasing some electric buses instead perhaps because of the higher cost of NGV and (I believe) PM Prayut's earlier suggestion to acquire electric buses.

Although PEA developed Thailand's first electric bus in 2014, China-based BYD has a world reputation for producing reliable and cost effective electric buses.