Bangkok's New Bus Shelters Spark Controversy Over Design

[snoop1130]

Photo: The Thaiger

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is under fire for its recent bus shelter project, with critics claiming the shelters fail to shield commuters from Thailand's intense sun and rain. The BMA has introduced two shelter designs: a smaller one measuring 2.3 by 3 meters, housing three people, costs around 230,000 baht; and a larger model, 2.3 by 6 meters, seating six, priced at 320,000 baht.

 

Despite these concerns, BMA spokesperson Aekvarunyoo Amrapala defended the initiative on February 4, asserting that the shelters have been designed in compliance with pedestrian safety standards. So far, 90 shelters have been completed—30 from the 2023 budget and 60 under the 2024 fiscal plan, with an additional 29 being constructed.

 

For the 2025 fiscal year, plans are in place to build 300 more shelters. Sithiporn Somkitsan, head of BMA's Traffic and Transportation Department, emphasized that costs include relocating utilities, building robust foundations, and integrating lighting and electricity. He assured that the project adheres to government procurement rules with cost savings anticipated through electronic bidding.

 

 

The shelters, built with accessibility in mind, feature large roofs for rain protection and clear acrylic back panels to avoid blocking views or creating security risks. They are part of broader efforts to enhance public transport, including additional bus stops and real-time tracking for buses.

 

Citizens can voice concerns or issues with the shelters via the Traffy Fondue Line account or the BMA hotline at 1555.

 

-- 2025-02-05

 

 

[phetphet]

THB230,000 to seat 3 people? That's over THB75,000/seat. A nice little earner for someone.

 

Save the money installing real time tracking and build an app for that.

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is under fire for its recent bus shelter project, with critics claiming the shelters fail to shield commuters from Thailand's intense sun and rain.

And if it was made 90% enclosed with a small entry point it would take up the whole pavement thus making it difficult for pedestrians.

[blaze master]

It just never ends does it. 

[Briggsy]

The pavements are already full of junk. If they made them any bigger, people would complain they have blocked the pavement, not least the motorcyclists! 😃

 

In the morning, some bus stops are like a frenzied crowd of Hajjis, so no structure could contain them.

[thesetat]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The BMA has introduced two shelter designs: a smaller one measuring 2.3 by 3 meters, housing three people, costs around 230,000 baht; and a larger model, 2.3 by 6 meters, seating six, priced at 320,000 baht.

Wow! Someone must be making a huge amount of profit making these at the cost quoted. These designs remind me of a typical bus stop in the USA. It has a roof so it does block direct sunlight as well as protecting those underneath it. Albeit is a tad small only able to hold 3 people from looking at the photo. I am just amazed at the cost the BMA will be paying for these. Something like this should not cost as much as a 2 bedroom house.

[NoDisplayName]

US$7,000 ......multiplied by thousands.

 

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He assured that the project adheres to government procurement rules

 

I believe it.

 

[steven100]

I think the simplicity of the design is fine,  but 3 seats ?  really ! ......  come on.  

The same design, but longer and having 5-6 seats would have been more efficient and practical.   imo

[damian]

Being somewhat of a bus shelter enthusiast, on my world travels looking at bus shelters I found they have air conditioned ones in the Middle East.  

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

4 hours ago, steven100 said:

I think the simplicity of the design is fine,  but 3 seats ?  really ! ......  come on.  

The same design, but longer and having 5-6 seats would have been more efficient and practical.   imo

From the OP........and a larger model, 2.3 by 6 meters, seating six, priced at 320,000 baht.

[Will B Good]

 

 

It stretches your incredulity to think they didn't trial these, invite people to comment, build a one off or mock-up and see how potential users responded.....maybe they did and they just chose to ignore them anyway?????

[scottiejohn]

7 hours ago, thesetat said:

Something like this should not cost as much as a 2 bedroom house.

Where are you getting a two bedroom house for Bht 320,000?

A two man tent from a camping shop perhaps!

[thesetat]

1 minute ago, scottiejohn said:

Where are you getting a two bedroom house for Bht 320,000?

A two man tent from a camping shop perhaps!

Try looking in places other than the big congested cities. You can find something near that price or even build your own small place with 2 bedrooms haha... If you seek you shall find hmm

[Caldera]

The nearest one to where I live is a major obstruction on an already narrow sidewalk. All that to provide a whopping THREE seats to whoever wants to catch a bus from there. What a waste of space and money.