Stepping into Bangkok’s Bus Terminal, affectionately dubbed Mo Chit 2, is supposed to be the beginning of a grand adventure or a heartfelt return to one’s hometown. Alas, a recent social media uproar, led by none other than an astute Move Forward Party MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt, has illuminated a slightly less grandiose reality of mishaps and mechanical misdemeanors that have left commuters less than enthusiastic about their transit experience.
In a vibrant city that never sleeps, it seems Mo Chit 2 has dozed off a bit when it comes to keeping up with the gears of modernity. A treasure trove of escalators, once the pinnacle of the terminal’s convenience, now stand as haunted relics of a past era, stubbornly refusing to budge. According to the Transport Company Ltd., which feels the pulse of the terminal’s operations, the relentless tick of time has rendered finding suitable parts for these aging escalators a quest fit for a fantasy novel. Despite their age, they stand testament to a bygone era, having loyally shuttled passengers for a whopping 26 years.
But let’s not drown in despair just yet! There’s light at the end of this seemingly crumbling tunnel. Amidst the backdrop of financial woes that would make even the stoutest of balance sheets tremble, with three consecutive years painted red, the company has gallantly persisted in service improvements. They’ve ensured that, while escalators may gasp for breath, other vital faculties like fire extinguishers, elevators, and air-conditioners stand ready to serve.
And it’s not merely talk and no action. The Transport Company isn’t just batting away the critique with mere words. They’re rolling up their sleeves (do companies have sleeves?) and diving headfirst into transformation. There’s chatter about rejuvenating the abandoned commercial zone that’s been languishing in ghost-town limbo since Covid-19 swept through our lives. They’re dreaming big about a resurgence that will see this space bustling with life next year.
Let’s talk connectivity. Getting from Mo Chit 2 to, well, anywhere modern seems like a quest for Marco Polo. The jovial MP Suphanat didn’t mince his words when he highlighted the terminal’s strange detachment from the veins and arteries of Bangkok’s transport body. No BTS Skytrain or underground train whisper anywhere nearby, leaving commuters to the mercy of taxis and motorcycle taxis, which, according to Mr. Suphanat, may as well have fare meters powered by gold dust given their exorbitant charges.
In response to these allegations of fare foul play, the company has stepped up, taking its grievances to the authorities, because no one likes a scammy cabby or an overzealous bike jockey. It’s an acknowledgment that the crescendo of foot traffic during festive periods deserves a soundtrack of reliable and reasonably priced transport options, not the discordant melody of fare disparity.
The station’s symphony of struggles hit a particularly dissonant note with Mr. Suphanat, who cast a critical eye over the terminal’s readiness to handle the festive exodus. His checklist of 14 eyebrow-raising points paints a picture of broken dreams and equipment—restrooms that have seen better days, navigation signs that might as well play hide and seek, and automatic ticketing machines with a penchant for mystery malfunctions.
Despite the veritable laundry list of improvements needed, it’s evident that the wheels of change are turning, albeit slowly. Mo Chit 2 once stood as a gateway for holidaymakers and travelers, bustling with the excitement of journeys ahead. Now, it waits, on the cusp of revival, ready to be more than just a waypoint—it aspires to be a hub that thrums with connection, efficiency, and ease. And it seems the Transport Company Ltd, spurred into action by vigilant watchdogs like Mr. Suphanat, is ready to embark on this transformative journey with a clear destination in mind: to once again make Bangkok Bus Terminal the pride of Chatuchak.
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