Air Cond Bus Fares Reduced To Flat 10 Baht

[Jai Dee]

BMTA TO REDUCE FARES FOR AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES TO A FLAT RATE OF 10-BAHT

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority plans to reduce fares for air-conditioned buses to a 10-baht flat rate and bring in 2,000 new buses within 9 months.

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ), who also oversees the Ministry of Transport, disclosed the government's provision of budget for the BMTA to purchase 2,000 new buses that would run on natural gas. Fares will also be switched to a 10-baht flat rate and adjustments made to various routes. The BMTA would also reduce its workforce by 500 people, by means of early retirement.

In the meantime Transport Minister Phongsak Raktaphongphaisarn (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงษ์ไพศาล) said the BMTA would only act as a regulator in the future, and would not be involved in actual running of the buses. Staff transfers from the BMTA to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority have already been planned. Mr. Phongsak further disclosed that after the end of their contract in May next year, all green buses would stop running. 2.5 billion baht has been prepared for the SMEs Bank to hand out to such operators in order for them to buy new buses.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 December 2005

[ratcatcher]

BMTA TO REDUCE FARES FOR AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES TO A FLAT RATE OF 10-BAHT

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority plans to reduce fares for air-conditioned buses to a 10-baht flat rate and bring in 2,000 new buses within 9 months.

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ), who also oversees the Ministry of Transport, disclosed the government's provision of budget for the BMTA to purchase 2,000 new buses that would run on natural gas. Fares will also be switched to a 10-baht flat rate and adjustments made to various routes. The BMTA would also reduce its workforce by 500 people, by means of early retirement.

In the meantime Transport Minister Phongsak Raktaphongphaisarn (พงษ์ศักดิ์ รักตพงษ์ไพศาล) said the BMTA would only act as a regulator in the future, and would not be involved in actual running of the buses. Staff transfers from the BMTA to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority have already been planned. Mr. Phongsak further disclosed that after the end of their contract in May next year, all green buses would stop running. 2.5 billion baht has been prepared for the SMEs Bank to hand out to such operators in order for them to buy new buses.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 December 2005

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow! That's a shame, no more green buses next year. (So they say)

Aside from a tuk tuk ride in rush hour and during heavy rain there will be no more thrill rides. Riding on the green buses is an adrenaline experience as they race each other from stop to stop. Maybe Minister Wattana can think up some kind of Saturday Night Bus races or Demolition Derby to be held at a circuit where the drivers can drive in their inimitable style.

[Rinrada]

Saturday nights will never be the same again...and only 5 bt.......err 6 bt

[Buff-horns]

natural gas? surprised they are not going for the hydrogen powered buses.

maybe it would be like giving a baby a hand grenade .

with those crazy drivers in flipflops at the wheel.