Passengers were thrust into turmoil Thursday morning due to unexpected bus route changes in the bustling capital of Bangkok. Those who rely on public transportation were caught off guard as they faced delays, confusion, and disruptions in their daily commutes.
The usual morning tranquillity was shattered as bus commuters in Greater Bangkok discovered that their trusted routes had mysteriously altered overnight. Anguished passengers took to social media platforms, inundating the Facebook pages of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the Transport Ministry, and Bangkokbusclub.com with their complaints.
The calls for help were many. “Everyone riding BMTA buses today might be a bit confused. Please check route numbers carefully,” warned Bangkokbusclub.com, trying to alert its followers to the sudden changes.
Thursday was the debut of what the BMTA termed “the reform of the bus lines.” This transformation saw the state-run entity, overseen by the Ministry of Transport, hand over numerous routes to private operators and modify several route numbers. For example, Bus No. 101 has now become 101 (4-5) and changed its path to traverse from Rama II Road to Phra Pradaeng pier in the province of Samut Prakan.
Many commuters were not impressed. Frustrations boiled over as they grappled with late arrivals to work, increased fares, and futile waits for buses that no longer stopped at their familiar spots. “Where is bus No. 509?” queried Nel Sirirat on Bangkokbusclub.com, lamenting, “I’ve got a headache when my life already suffers.”
Pup Phoon echoed the sentiments of many, stating, “This is a disaster. I had a long wait. When it came, it was already packed. I don’t know if I have the energy left to work.”
Another flustered commuter, Meedum Nut, recounted their exasperating experience: “I had to read the new route info posted on the body of the bus to see which places it goes. By the time I finished reading it, the bus was leaving.”
Concerned passengers also expressed worries that the revised routes now bypassed outlying areas, forcing them toward costlier alternatives like public vans or taxis. Ch JeajJeab urged on BMTA’s social media, “Bus routes from the suburbs should not be scrapped. Please listen to the voices of those who cannot afford to take public vans or taxis.”
The changes, it seems, were imposed without proper communication or consideration of the actual riders. Dom Dom’s comment on the Ministry’s Facebook page captured this sentiment well: “The ones who ride the bus don’t have a chance to provide feedback, while those who make the changes never actually ride the bus. Why did you change routes on lines that are already popular?”
Amid the public outcry, many suggested the BMTA should first address the deteriorating condition of its existing fleet. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri took to appeasing the masses on Wednesday, promising that an upgrade to the bus fleet was on the horizon. The BMTA intends to rent electric buses by February next year and aims to sign a contract with a supplier by March if all goes according to plan.
As it stands, the BMTA operates a fleet of 2,884 ordinary and air-conditioned buses, attempting to serve around 700,000 people each day. It’s a mammoth task, and while the intention behind the changes might aim for improvement, the immediate fallout left many passengers wishing for the good old days of predictable routes and reliable rides.
This is an absolute mess. Why didn’t they give any warning?
Exactly, John! I’ve missed two appointments already because of this.
I think they wanted to avoid backlash until the last minute.
They did announce it, but it was buried in some transport meeting minutes. Not many people read those.
That’s no way to inform the public. It should have been all over the news!
I don’t understand the changes at all. My route isn’t even listed anymore.
You need to check the new BMTA app. It’s supposed to have updated routes.
I tried it, but it’s glitchy and super slow. Not helpful at all.
The app isn’t perfect, but it’s better than nothing. Give it another shot.
Where’s bus No. 508? The BMTA better be ready for the complaints they’re going to get.
It’s part of the new reforms. You have to check the new numbering system.
The new numbering is just confusing. Couldn’t they keep it simple?
Does anyone know if these changes are permanent?
From what I’ve heard, they are. We’re stuck with this new system.
There might be adjustments if enough people complain, but who knows how long that will take.
Let’s hope something changes soon. This is awful.
I had to take a taxi today. It’s costing me a fortune!
This is terrible for the environment too. More cars on the road.
Did they consider the disabled and elderly? New routes are longer and more tiresome.
Exactly, Alex. My grandma can’t walk that far anymore.
Bring back the old buses! They might have been old but they were reliable!
How about ticket prices? Have they changed too?
Prices are higher for some routes. It’s like they’re punishing us for using public transport.
Upgraded buses? More like downgraded service. Overhaul isn’t the word for it.
Upgrades? Yeah right. Haven’t seen a single new bus on my route.
Can BMTA give us a clear timeline for when this mess will be sorted out?
The Minister said by February next year, but who knows?
Reform is necessary, but not like this. How about proper planning?
You said it! They should have consulted real users before making changes.
I just want to get to work on time. Is that too much to ask?
Does anyone have an alternative solution? Because this isn’t working.
Crowdsourced shuttles might be a good idea. Something needs to change.
Public outcry isn’t enough. We need petitions and protests.