Thai Cabinet approves procurement of new passenger buses

BANGKOK, April 9 (TNA) - The Thai Cabinet has approved a project of the state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) on its procurement of 3,000 new passenger buses, totally worth 13 billion baht, with the first lot to be deployed within this year. Thai Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt told reporters on Tuesday of the Cabinet's decision, made at its weekly meeting earlier in the day, saying that several suppliers will be selected to deliver the buses to prevent contract abandonment, like what previously happened to a project on the construction of new police stations nationwide which had only a contractor. Chadchat assessed that the new buses should increase the capacity of the BMTA from serving 1.7 million passengers in metropolitan areas to 2.5 million passengers daily, as the new procurement covers both ordinary and air-conditioned buses. At present, according to the Thai transport minister, air-conditioned buses in metropolitan areas carry 500,000 passengers a day and their fares start at 14 baht; while ordinary buses serve 1.2 million passengers daily and charge a 6-baht fare. The transport minister acknowledged that the prime minister has ordered the BMTA to organize transparent bidding contests and focus on local suppliers to boost employment and the automobile industry of the country. Given the higher capacity, the Thai premier also urged the BMTA to encourage commuters to use passenger buses, instead of cars, in areas of traffic congestion during rush hours. Meanwhile, BMTA chief Opas Phetmunee confirmed that the first lot of 1,124 natural gas-fueled and air-conditioned buses will be procured and deployed within this year. (TNA)