Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak), or Mo Chit 2 as it is commonly referred to, has announced the closure of its arrival area from March 1. The decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance passenger safety and curb the activities of illegal motorcycle taxis targeting travellers.

 

The government and the Transport Ministry had previously instructed Transport Co, the operator of the terminal, to upgrade Mo Chit 2’s services before the Songkran holidays in April. This information came from Atthawit Rakchamroon, the managing director of Transport Co, yesterday. As part of the response, the terminal’s arrival zone was shut between 8pm and 4am earlier this month, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Currently, vehicles are obligated to collect and discharge their passengers at the terminal’s departure area. According to the company, this new regulation has led to a decrease in illegal motorcycle taxis and other safety concerns at the terminal.

 

Transport Co has further plans to increase efficiency and elevate service and safety standards at Mo Chit 2. Starting from March 1, buses will be required to collect passengers at platform one. The arrival area will henceforth be allocated for motorcycle taxis.

In collaboration with various agencies, including the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and multiple public transport operators, Transport Co has begun improving traveller facilities at the terminal’s southern end. Taxi ranks and queues for other public transport services are now located on the first floor of the terminal’s parking lot.

The government’s Quick Win policy feeder services will also utilise this area for passenger pick-up and drop-off. All Transport Co buses will now offload passengers at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal before proceeding to Mo Chit 2. The move is designed to create a connection between the terminal and the city’s train networks, including SRT’s Red Line and the MRT Blue Line.

 

In addition to these reforms, Transport Co is planning improvements to the terminal’s stores, food vendors, restrooms, elevators, rest areas, and lighting, as stated by Atthawit.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Tourist Bangkok

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-19

 

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Have they fixed the escalator yet.

So where is the arrival area going to be now - it seems a bus station without one is severly handicapped!

Sounds like a nightmare.... no real plan just a series of tweaks.