The plan—an ode to clean energy—has been submitted with hope to the Ministry of Transport. Meanwhile, the diligent Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is busy compiling its intricate details. The grand scheme then awaits its turn to waltz into the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC). Kittikan, with his usual foresight, emphasized that this revision was a necessary clarification exercise without shaking the original budget or the core scope of the project.
Let’s fast forward to a step-by-step plan: The first phase involves entering into a seven-year lease contract (stretching from 2025 to 2032) for a total of 1,520 electric buses via e-bidding, with an eye-catching budget of 15.3 billion baht. While the plan was initially set to debut in the Cabinet’s agenda earlier last month, a few review hiccups delayed its grand reveal. But worry not, dear readers, as Kittikan has assured us that the BMTA will indeed welcome those 500 new EV buses this very year, followed by the rest next year.
Looking towards the horizon, the BMTA has more up its sleeve. By 2029, the agency aims to impress us all by retiring a whopping 60% of its combustion-engine buses, which currently total 2,300. The electric shift is projected to dramatically slash both fuel and maintenance costs with EV buses boasting operational costs three times lower than their traditional counterparts. Today, the BMTA’s mighty fleet stands at 2,884 buses, made up of 1,520 non-air-conditioned warriors and 1,364 breezy air-conditioned chariots, according to a report from the Bangkok Post.
Alongside this electric transformation, the agency is also putting its thinking cap on to revamp bus routes and schedules to better cater to passenger demand while giving fossil fuel consumption a gentle nudge downwards.
In a delightful fringe benefit to public transport aficionados, Thai Smile Bus, which makes its rounds dominantly within Bangkok, has unveiled expanded payment options. Now, passengers can glide through their transactions using QR codes via PromptPay across all routes, and for those who’ve embraced the digital age, fret not—the service has also integrated Digital E-Wallet payments like the True Money Wallet starting March 1.
Exciting times are ahead as Thailand propels into a future where technology and environmental consciousness blend with elegance. We’re all set for a more connected, efficient, and green Bangkok.
This is incredible news for Bangkok! Finally, some real progress towards sustainable public transportation.
I agree it’s promising, but how efficient are these electric buses really going to be in the long run?
From what I’ve seen, they’re definitely more efficient than the current NGV buses, but only time will tell!
Even if they’re only marginally better, it’s still a step in the right direction. We need more cities to follow suit.
Absolutely! This sets a great example for other cities in the region.
What about the cost? 15.3 billion baht seems like a lot of money for buses. Couldn’t this be spent better elsewhere?
Investing in infrastructure is always expensive, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs.
I hope you’re right. But remember, we’ve heard promises like this before.
The ROI could be significant. Reduced operational costs and environmental benefits shouldn’t be underestimated.
QR code payments and Digital E-Wallets are such a great convenience. It’s about time Bangkok caught up with technology!
Totally! This tech-savvy move is long overdue and will make commuting much simpler for everyone.
I’m impressed by the idea of reducing fossil fuel consumption, but will the electric power be sourced sustainably?
Good question! The key is ensuring the entire supply chain is green. Otherwise, the impact is negligible.
I’m worried about the old NGV buses. Are they just going to be scrapped, or is there a plan for recycling?
Recycling those would be crucial! Otherwise, we’re just shifting the pollution problem elsewhere.
I’ve read that many components of NGVs can be recycled. Hopefully, BMTA has a plan in place.
The real test will be in reliability and uptime of these new buses. Are they ready for the wear and tear of city life?
This is exciting, but I wonder if these changes will cause disruptions to current bus schedules.
They mentioned revamping routes to meet demand, so it might be a mixed bag at first.
Here’s to hoping this isn’t just another marketing gimmick. Real change requires commitment!
Exactly! Actions speak louder than press releases. Let’s see what actually happens.
Electric buses are less noisy too! That’ll be a relief in a noisy city like Bangkok.
Can we believe the operational cost claims? Three times lower seems optimistic.
Electric vehicles generally are cheaper to maintain. Fewer moving parts, so less can go wrong.
Does anyone know how this compares to other cities like London or New York in terms of eco-transit?
I hope they integrate solar charging stations for these buses to maximize the green effect.
That would be perfect! Solar panels and EV buses could be a game-changer together.
Anyone else think that this transition will face bureaucratic delays? It sounds too good to be true.
The key is to have reliable service. If the buses aren’t frequent, people will stick to cars.
Beyond just the environmental impact, I think these buses could play a major role in reducing overall traffic congestion.
Absolutely! More people opting for public transport could ease road traffic significantly.
I still think we should be looking more into hydrogen buses as an alternative!
Hydrogen has potential, but the infrastructure isn’t there yet. EVs are more feasible at this point.