In the vibrant city of Bangkok, the beloved Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is set to embark on a new chapter this Friday. Hold onto your hats, commuters, because City Hall has decided to wave goodbye to over a year’s worth of free rides! Yes, that’s right, the days of complimentary cruising are behind us, but fear not, as the new fare promises to still be a sweet deal for the wallet-conscious traveler.
Starting Friday, BRT riders will be required to part with a modest sum of 15 baht per trip – a small price to pay for the convenience of gliding through Bangkok’s bustling streets. But, fret not! For our revered seniors, a discounted rate of just 11 baht awaits, ensuring they continue to enjoy their journeys with a little extra jingle in their pockets.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) cheerfully announced that passengers could make their payments using the ever-reliable Rabbit Cards, or through the snazzy BRT E-Ticket Line account. It’s all about keeping up with the times, and City Hall is right on cue. After all, nothing beats the feeling of hopping onto a bus with just a wave of a card or a tap on an app.
This change marks the end of the era that began in September of last year when free rides were generously provided after the closure of a previous concession held by the illustrious Bangkok Mass Transit System – better known to locals and tourists alike as the BTS Skytrain. August brought a close to their chapter, but not without leaving behind a legacy of seamless urban movement.
With the dawn of a new day, the stalwart team behind BTS Skytrain clinched the new concession for our dear BRT system at a striking bidding price of 465 million baht. And with that, a new 16-kilometer journey between the lively Sathon and Ratchaphruek roads is ready to whisk commuters on an enthralling odyssey through the city.
But wait, there’s more! Bidding adieu to the old and welcoming the new, the BMA has gone the extra mile by rolling out a fresh fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) for the BRT line. These shiny, eco-friendly chariots are set to traverse the streets of Bangkok, promising a cleaner and greener commute for all. Who knew public transport could feel so futuristic?
So, dear travelers of Bangkok, ready your Rabbit Cards and tap into the next era of public transport. With swift payments and a glistening array of electric buses, it’s truly an exciting time to catch the BRT – and who knows, it might just be the smoothest ride of your day!
I think introducing a fare after months of free rides is unfair! It’s just a way for them to grab more money from us.
The fare is pretty low, though. 15 baht is not much for most people. It’s better than paying for a taxi.
That’s true, but it’s the principle of it. They’ve gotten us used to free rides, and now they charge us again!
Plus, you can use Rabbit Cards or the app. It’s convenient and modern!
Love that they’re using electric buses now. It’s a win for the environment!
Sure, but how eco-friendly is producing and disposing of those electric vehicles really?
It’s better than diesel buses spewing exhaust all day. We have to start somewhere!
Electric vehicles are part of the future, Sam. Every small step counts!
I’m excited for the new routes. Sathon to Ratchaphruek is a great addition!
About time! A lot of us commute to those areas daily.
Exactly! It’s been long overdue. Can’t wait to skip the traffic.
Seniors get a discount, which is fair. But shouldn’t students and others on tight budgets get one too?
I hope the evs have enough charging stations across Bangkok. Wouldn’t want delays because of dead batteries!
They should, but with these new rollouts, BMA probably has that covered. At least I hope so!
15 baht is too cheap to cover maintenance and operating costs of EVs. They’ll raise prices again soon.
Maybe, but initial low prices help people transition to using public transport instead of cars.
Rabbit Cards are a game-changer. Fast and easy. But what happens if you lose it or it gets stolen?
Good for tourists! Now they’ve got a budget-friendly way to explore more of Bangkok.
True, especially with the skyline views BRT offers. Beautiful and inexpensive.
Switching from BTS to BRT using the same card is so seamless. Love the integration!
Right? It makes daily commutes way more bearable. Can’t support this enough.
If only other cities could have such smooth transitions between transport modes!
But what about safety? Are the new buses going to be safe? Any new security measures?
The article didn’t mention that. Hopefully, security personnel will be present as usual.
Always complaining! Can’t you guys appreciate something good happening in the city?
Bet the profits from the 465 million baht concession are fueling some serious big wigs’ pockets.
An extra 11 baht saved for seniors isn’t much, but I guess every little bit counts.
Finally, no more cramming into those horrible free rides. Paying a bit should reduce overcrowding!