Bus operator told to prepare for Songkran Festival

BANGKOK, April 2 (TNA) -- The Ministry of Transport orders the state-run Transport Co Ltd to prepare additional buses to cope with the high number of passengers expected during Songkran holidays. Minister for Transport Arkhom Termpittayapaisith called a meeting with the Department of Land Transport and Transport Co Ltd to ensure that there were adequate interprovincial buses to handle the massive rise in passenger traffic during Songkran by supplementing bus fleets with privately run non-fixed route buses. At present, 311 non fix route buses have registered from a desired target of 400. Mr Arkhom stressed that the highest priority must be given to ensuring safety and as such all buses must pass a strict round of scrutiny before being allowed to transport passengers. Non-fixed route buses that pass the checks will be provided with signs certifying their suitability for public transport which must be attached to the front of the vehicle. Buses which do not meet the minimum requirement will be immediately failed and have their cabs sprayed 'Not Qualified'. Furthermore, drivers will also have to pass the most stringent of tests not least of which are toxicology tests to confirm zero levels for alcohol and narcotics. (TNA)