Bangkok's New Electric BRT Hits Roadblocks Amid Commute Chaos

[snoop1130]

 

Bangkok's ambitious launch of its new electric BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) on the Sathorn-Ratchaphruek route on September 1 has been marred by numerous issues, triggering widespread criticism and commuter frustration. The roll-out saw only 16 of the planned 23 buses in operation, leading to overcrowding and longer waiting times.

 

Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon provided an update yesterday, highlighting the problems plaguing the service. Key among them is the extended gap between bus departures, now stretched to every 12 minutes from the previous seven, exacerbating delays especially during peak hours.

 

Compounding commuter woes are the malfunctioning sensor-controlled doors on the new EV buses, causing further delays as the safety mechanisms struggle to cope with obstructions. Adding to the inconvenience, the new low-floor buses require passengers to step down to board, a departure from the previous design that aligned with station platforms.

 

 

 

 

The struggle doesn’t end there. The building of a promised charging station at Chong Nonsi has been delayed due to contractual issues, forcing the BMA to use a less convenient alternative location. This logistical hiccup is further hampering the reliability of the service.

 

The official Facebook page Footpath Thai Style captured the chaos with live updates showing long queues and frustrated commuters at Sathorn station. Complaints ranged from bus breakdowns to unauthorised vehicles utilising BRT lanes, contributing to erratic service timings.

 

As questions arise over the preparedness of the service, some suggest that the free trial period could be exacerbating the situation by attracting more users than usual. Despite these challenges, the BMA assures the public that solutions are underway, and urges patience as they work to smooth out the teething problems and meet commuter expectations.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-04

 

 

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[WoodyKenny]

Green new deal is for Fat Cats making money... So you push electric autos but ignore the trucks, vans, buses, and motorcycle that spew pollution daily both Noise and Gases.. Just trying to Make themselves feel good and hey look at what we've done for you... Suckers

[hotchilli]

Great planning....

[Chris BKK]

The free service is nothing new, The BRT has been free for many months, so doubtful that is attracting new users

[bkk_mike]

3 hours ago, WoodyKenny said:

Green new deal is for Fat Cats making money... So you push electric autos but ignore the trucks, vans, buses, and motorcycle that spew pollution daily both Noise and Gases.. Just trying to Make themselves feel good and hey look at what we've done for you... Suckers

The story is about electric BUSES.

 

And a lot of the issues are the same as everywhere... Slow rolling out of charging where it's needed by the electrical utility company; starting the service with fewer buses than planned for; selfish gits using bus lanes when they shouldn't.

[Burma Bill]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the malfunctioning sensor-controlled doors on the new EV buses,

 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the new low-floor buses require passengers to step down to board,

 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

bus breakdowns

 

Chinese built by any chance??

[john donson]

my local electric bus in lat krabang, super unreliable or is it google that confuse busses that not even do my route,,, not even able to track it where it actually is... when i can catch one, by accident, mostly EMPTY...   sometimes 2 same busses racing...