Bus Rapid Transit to be launched on 15 May

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to commence the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service on 15 May on the Chong Nonsi–Ratchapruek Line to alleviate traffic problem during the new school term.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Thirachon Manomaipibul said the BRT would be officially put in service for free of charge from 15 May until 31 August 2010. The 20-seat buses are made compatible for wheelchairs with a full capacity of 80 passengers.

From 1 September to 31 December 2010, the fare will be collected at a flat rate of 10 THB to promote the BRT. The rate will be adjusted to be in accordance with the distance after 1 January 2011, ranging from 12-20 THB.

All 25 buses are equipped with full traffic navigation and computerized pilot systems for precise timing of departure and arrival. Mr Thirachon added that the BRT was hoped to help ease traffic congestion in Bangkok as the new school semester was approaching.

-- NNT 2010-04-28

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Good luck with it, but i cant see it making an awful lot of difference. Too little too late..

did not know that on ratchapruek road Bangkok Hash House Harriers are meeting http://www.bangkokmondayhhh.com/Directions...apruekRoad.html

good news for them - now they can drink as much as they can, and get the bus back home

Really? I live right at at intersection of Naratiwat and Satorn and have been watching this BRT being build now for seems like 5 years. It's been a very slow moving project yet in the last month there has been quite a lot of movement and progress but opening in two weeks, I just don't see it. They haven't even tested the buses on the line yet which is because it's only looks about 80pct finished.

BMA ... Thailand's hub of broken transport dreams and promises.

Anyone know the route it will take?

From Chong Nonsri BTS Station, southbound on Narathiwat Road to Phraram 3 (Rama 3) Road, then west to Thanon Tok intersection (the intersection of Phraram 3 with Charoen Krung Road).

There may be a plan to extend it across the river someday ? But I am not holding my breath waiting. As someone said above, it has taken them years to get this little project built, and it is not finished yet. And in 15 yrs., here, I have certainly seen lots of maps in the newspapers, with lots of pretty coloured lines on them. I think that a majority of the ones I saw a decade or more ago are still not operational.

From Chong Nonsri BTS Station, southbound on Narathiwat Road to Phraram 3 (Rama 3) Road, then west to Thanon Tok intersection (the intersection of Phraram 3 with Charoen Krung Road).

There may be a plan to extend it across the river someday ? But I am not holding my breath waiting. As someone said above, it has taken them years to get this little project built, and it is not finished yet. And in 15 yrs., here, I have certainly seen lots of maps in the newspapers, with lots of pretty coloured lines on them. I think that a majority of the ones I saw a decade or more ago are still not operational.

Here is the map.

map_BRT.pdf

anyone know when the BRT will open??

(I think it was postponed from the announced May 15th date)...