NGV buses - nearer to getting on the streets of Bangkok

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

BANGKOK: -- The new NGV buses at the center of a controversy after they were kept at the port amid irregularities over tax are a step closer to getting into service.

 

The director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Surachai Iamwachirasakun said that most of the 489 vehicles have now been registered to the BMTA, reports Manager Online.

 

The authority are now in the process of checking each vehicle.

 

 

He said there was nothing unusual in the buses being registered before they were checked. They could still be returned to the supplier if they have not fulfilled the letter of their contract.

 

The buses were supplied by Bestlin Group. They were stuck at Laem Chabang port for some time as questions were asked about where they were actually manufactured.

 

It emerged that the buses had come from China and been modified in Malaysia. A large amount of extra tax has to be paid because the buses did not originate in Malaysia that enjoys ASEAN tax privileges.

 

It is now around a month since the more eco-friendly buses were meant to make their debut on the capital's streets.

 

Source: Manager Online

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2017-01-26

Are these going to be extra added buses ?

 

or are the going to replace the old buses ?    and if replace which buses ?  

The Yellow airCo Chinese buses are getting pretty beat-up,

 

and they are too nice  to let the poor people ride in  and replace the non-airco , wood floor "classic" buses

2 hours ago, oldcarguy said:

and they are too nice  to let the poor people ride in  and replace the non-airco , wood floor "classic" buses

There is nothing more pleasant than a ride on an old or new, empty, wood floor classic bus on its last run of the night.

Good to get rid of the very old buses on Bangkok streets.

3 hours ago, oldcarguy said:

Are these going to be extra added buses ?

According to the Acting Director of BMTA Pranee Sugrasorn in March 2015, the new 489 NGV buses are expected to increase  the service capacity in 20 bus routes in Bangkok.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/website_th/news/print_news/WNSOC5803020010058

 

Doesn't the government realize that they are the ones who will be paying the extra tax???  It's not like they're trying to get extra tax on an imported Mercedes for some HiSo...

"He said there was nothing unusual in the buses being registered before they were checked. They could still be returned to the supplier if they have not fulfilled the letter of their contract."

 

Wouldn't most entities want to check them before they register them? Or am I missing something here? And please, Is the agent "fixer" Bestlin going to have to pay the tax they so covertly tried to escape paying? Or will the gov't/taxpayers end up bearing this cost?

 

Again more reason for these gov't entities to perform their own procurement. With transparency and accountability. If Gen P was really sincere about tackling corruption this would be a good way to begin. just tells me that in the end they are ALL in this up to their necks.

1 hour ago, mwbrown said:

Doesn't the government realize that they are the ones who will be paying the extra tax???  It's not like they're trying to get extra tax on an imported Mercedes for some HiSo...

Always amazes me when Thai government organization has to pay taxes and buy stuff that costs more than if private companies procure if on their own. I guess the "extra taxes" will go into "extra" pockets.

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The authority are now in the process of checking each vehicle.

They are new just turn the key. 

is there a list of the bus routes that will be getting these new buses ?

 

one thing about the "Classic bus"  is the airflow thru the gaps in the wooden floors , that flows out the open windows and keeps the diesel fumes moving :)    great engineering !