As someone who has always used bus service in Bangkok , particularly for locations where there is no BTS or MRT I am.commentimg on how the service has deteriorated.This opinion is always held by many Bangkok folk who use. There are fewer  BMTA city buses (run by city gov) and more Thai smile company buses ,private company .Biggest issue with city buses is the lack of interest by the drivers .They are even worse at ignoring passengers at bus stops and think their job is just to get around the designated route . I have,along with local people been passed by a bus when had hand extended. The management should have a system where people can complain about the attitude of drivers .But I doubt it will ever happen 

As a regular bus rider, my experience is the same as yours. Once recently I was standing at the bus stop as one of those Thai Smile buses was approaching. Because there was another bus stopped at the bus stop, the Thai Smile bus stopped just before reaching the bus stop. When the other bus left, the logical thing for the Thai Smile bus to have done was to just edge up to the bus stop where I was standing with my hand out indicating that I wanted to board the bus. But he just kept going without picking me up. It was extremely frustrating given that I had waited a half an hour for the bus already, and the next one wouldn't be around for at least another half an hour. Like you, I wanted to report this behavior to someone but didn't know where to report him.

I use buses quite a bit, actually my preferred way to get around BKK.   Yet to get passed by, or pass by a stop with people waiting.  Though obviously can't comment that it doesn't happen.  

 

Especially at rush hour, as there may be no more room for additional riders, and nobody 'pushed' the stop button. 

 

edit:  If i notice a bus stopping behind a bus or 2, then I'll walk to the bus, and certainly not wait for it to 'edge' up to me.   Especially as soon as they stop close to 'the stop' they open the doors and people board.   My experience anyway.

Do any of you use the app ViaBus? Is it good/ accurate/ useful for bus travelling?

 

 

9 hours ago, ravip said:

Do any of you use the app ViaBus? Is it good/ accurate/ useful for bus travelling?

 

 

Yes it's good for checking routes .Bus numbers .Don't rely on it for timings.Never accurate in Bkk with all the traffic 

10 hours ago, BangkokHank said:

As a regular bus rider, my experience is the same as yours. Once recently I was standing at the bus stop as one of those Thai Smile buses was approaching. Because there was another bus stopped at the bus stop, the Thai Smile bus stopped just before reaching the bus stop. When the other bus left, the logical thing for the Thai Smile bus to have done was to just edge up to the bus stop where I was standing with my hand out indicating that I wanted to board the bus. But he just kept going without picking me up. It was extremely frustrating given that I had waited a half an hour for the bus already, and the next one wouldn't be around for at least another half an hour. Like you, I wanted to report this behavior to someone but didn't know where to report him.

Welcome to Bangkok. Many drivers do as they please.And you can forget about contacting anyone.I have emailed BMTA and Thai Smile( after eventually finding an address) I even translated it to Thai .However never got a reply.Just remember this is Thailand and customer service is lacking across most businesses and particularly anything to do with local gov.

What are the payment options?

Do all the buses still accept cash? 

4 hours ago, garygooner said:

What are the payment options?

Do all the buses still accept cash? 

Yes

On 7/27/2025 at 11:39 AM, pixelaoffy said:

As someone who has always used bus service in Bangkok , particularly for locations where there is no BTS or MRT I am.commentimg on how the service has deteriorated.This opinion is always held by many Bangkok folk who use. There are fewer  BMTA city buses (run by city gov) and more Thai smile company buses ,private company .Biggest issue with city buses is the lack of interest by the drivers .They are even worse at ignoring passengers at bus stops and think their job is just to get around the designated route . I have,along with local people been passed by a bus when had hand extended. The management should have a system where people can complain about the attitude of drivers .But I doubt it will ever happen 

Yes, this does happen.  But it's quite rare,  and I never thought much about it.

 

The problem I have with busses is, there are (almost) no buses anymore. 

I used to be able to go to the bus stop, and all buses (except number 62) would run where I wanted to go, about 2km. Never waited more than 5 minutes. 

Last time I waited 20 minutes,  then I just walked. (Taxis have become a rarity, too)

20 minutes ago, Lorry said:

Yes, this does happen.  But it's quite rare,  and I never thought much about it.

 

The problem I have with busses is, there are (almost) no buses anymore. 

I used to be able to go to the bus stop, and all buses (except number 62) would run where I wanted to go, about 2km. Never waited more than 5 minutes. 

Last time I waited 20 minutes,  then I just walked. 

It does happen and not so rare.Yes the services have been cut in locations /routes that are not so busy, away from main roads.If taxis are a rarity you must be away from Bangkok .The city is flooded with them .

23 minutes ago, pixelaoffy said:

The city is flooded with them

Waiting for 10 minutes for a taxi is normal nowadays,  in places like Khlongtan. In Nonthaburi, you sometimes can't get a taxi for 20 or 30 minutes. 

On 7/27/2025 at 11:39 AM, pixelaoffy said:

As someone who has always used bus service in Bangkok , particularly for locations where there is no BTS or MRT I am.commentimg on how the service has deteriorated.This opinion is always held by many Bangkok folk who use. There are fewer  BMTA city buses (run by city gov) and more Thai smile company buses ,private company .Biggest issue with city buses is the lack of interest by the drivers .They are even worse at ignoring passengers at bus stops and think their job is just to get around the designated route . I have,along with local people been passed by a bus when had hand extended. The management should have a system where people can complain about the attitude of drivers .But I doubt it will ever happen 

Take a taxi next time. Need to make a bit more money though.

On 7/29/2025 at 12:11 AM, FritsSikkink said:

Take a taxi next time. Need to make a bit more money though.

This is said by the guy who claims Bangkok's mass transit is a good deal.

 

use buses all the time, but i'm a time rich, laid back guy who enjoys intermingling with the local populace 

16 minutes ago, Lorry said:

This is said by the guy who claims Bangkok's mass transit is a good deal.

BTS and MRT can be quicker but very crowded at times. I don't care about the money.

“The bus” in BKK.

 

No thanks.  

I suppose it’s a good deal for the Cheapest of Charlies.

 

Especially those non Air Conditioned ones I’ve noticed.

 

MRT and BTS is so much better.

10 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

“The bus” in BKK.

 

No thanks.  

I suppose it’s a good deal for the Cheapest of Charlies.

 

Especially those non Air Conditioned ones I’ve noticed.

 

MRT and BTS is so much better.

Umm no.  

Use them when on a buying trip to BKK, travel back and to from Siam Sq area to Banglampu, very quick and convenient.

If it's not rush-hour and you have time on your hands why not take the bus occasionally. 🚌 👍

Yes, there have been many times when I was waiting for a bus, waved my hand, and the driver drove past, either because it was slightly inconvenient for him to stop because he was not in the far left lane or because he had no intention of stopping at a bus stop that is rarely used.  

 

And a bitch about those Thai Smile buses, they have the most uncomfortable seats and annoying design of any modern bus I have been on.  The old yellow/orange AC buses, from Japan I think, are luxurious by comparison.  

Thai bus drivers are paid to be on time and drive the bus.  Most have has been doing it so long that they do not care and I am willing to bet they are not paid well.  

 

I usde to take teh bus into town then found minivans so unless I want to waste 2 hours I take minivan or bts

On 7/27/2025 at 11:39 AM, pixelaoffy said:

As someone who has always used bus service in Bangkok , particularly for locations where there is no BTS or MRT I am.commentimg on how the service has deteriorated.This opinion is always held by many Bangkok folk who use. There are fewer  BMTA city buses (run by city gov) and more Thai smile company buses ,private company .Biggest issue with city buses is the lack of interest by the drivers .They are even worse at ignoring passengers at bus stops and think their job is just to get around the designated route . I have,along with local people been passed by a bus when had hand extended. The management should have a system where people can complain about the attitude of drivers .But I doubt it will ever happen 

I think just putting your arm out should be sufficient for the driver to stop for you but my experience with any road transport system in Thailand is to gently wave your arm up and down. This has always worked for me!