BRT officially commences today

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on the Chong Nonsi-Ratchapruek line has officially commenced its service today, presided by the Bangkok Governor.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said during the inauguration this morning that the BRT service would raise Bangkokians’ commutes to another level. The project will effectively help alleviate the traffic problem in the city.

The BRT will be in service for free of charge until 31 August 2010. Then, the fare will be collected at a flat rate of 10 THB from 1 September until 31 December. The BRT will start giving full service from 2 January 2011 onwards with the rate ranging from 12-24 THB depending on the distance.

The opening of the BRT service was postponed for several times because of the recent mass demonstration in the capital.

-- NNT 2010-05-29

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Google map of new Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) bus route in Bangkok: http://bit.ly/d3W83W /via @RichardBarrow

"The opening of the BRT service was postponed for several times because of the recent mass demonstration in the capital."

Plus, the system was not ready. They've done a lot of work during the past couple weeks...and it's not a pretty sight. The architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe once said, "God is in the details." If that is true, Unique and the BMA are dining with the devil.

I was in the 3rd bus, and there were more reporters than actual passengers. The BRT right-of-way is significantly narrower than a normal car lane, as it gets even narrower as it approaches the station. Much to the embarrassment of the driver and the BMA mugs, the bus struck the lefthand curb, and had to backup. I'd guess that the first bus/station damage is close at hand.

As the OP mentioned, the rides are free, and they're worth every baht that you pay.

I rode it today and it was rather slow..in fact a lot of the normal buses were passing us. It looks good but I'm not sure if it's any kind of solution and even during Sunday traffic it was far from rapid.