First Public EV Bus Launched in Songkhla  as it Targets Cleaner Future

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Songkhla has launched its first public electric (EV) bus as part of a pilot project spearheaded by the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), aiming to promote clean energy and reduce air pollution in the region. The trial service was officially inaugurated on 22 April, by PAO President Mr. Supit Pitaktham.

The initiative aligns with the “Clean and Pollution-Free Songkhla” policy, one of five core policies and 35 strategic initiatives laid out by Mr. Supit. During the initial two-month trial phase, the EV bus will serve the PAO’s internal missions, including the transport of students, the elderly, and patients, to test performance and reliability.

Mr. Supit stated that this step marks a significant milestone in providing accessible, environmentally friendly public transport. “This project reflects our commitment to reducing air pollution and transport costs for the people of Songkhla. The EV buses are energy-efficient, safer, and more economical to operate.”

Pending a successful trial, the PAO plans to expand the service by the end of 2025, introducing one EV bus per district across eight districts in the initial phase. Fares are expected to start at just 2 baht per person for an entire journey, making it an affordable alternative to conventional transport.

Notably, the EV bus project is fully funded by private investment, without drawing on the national budget. The next steps involve discussions with the Songkhla PAO Council to finalise operational details and ensure that the expansion is carefully planned and efficiently managed.

If implemented province-wide as planned, Songkhla will be among the first southern provinces to run a publicly accessible EV bus network, setting a benchmark for sustainable transport.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod.

-- 2025-04-23