Imagine standing at a bus stop, only to find yourself basking in the glow of innovation. Well, not too far into the future, this could be your reality in Bangkok. Picture this: a smart bus shelter nestled in the bustling streets of Bang Phlat district, a haven for weary commuters seeking both comfort and convenience. On a fine day in early February, something fascinating caught the eye of passersby near Soi Charansanitwong 94, stirring conversations louder than Bangkok’s legendary traffic jams.
Bangkok’s governor, the dynamic Chadchart Sittipunt, has been defending what many consider a red-eyed endeavor. We’re talking about replacing approximately 3,000 bus shelters scattered promiscuously across the city. Why all the fuss? You might ask. It’s all about design and, perhaps, a splash of pizzazz, aimed at making these shelters not only smart but incredibly pedestrian-friendly, too.
The initiative, masterminded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), has faced its fair share of scrutiny. Critics have not minced words in their appraisal, tagging the new and improved design as falling short, especially given the steep price tag that’s attached. Mr. Chadchart, ever ready with a well-thought retort, insists that the prices align with the notoriously tricky business of urban construction. Oh, the woes of city planning!
Why is he so determined? Here’s the scoop: among the 5,601 bus stops in the bustling metropolis, a mere 2,520 actually offer a reassuring roof over the heads of waiting passengers. The rest? Nothing more than wishful promises marked by route indicators, standing like lonely sentinels under Bangkok’s unpredictable skies.
So why isn’t it as easy as it looks, you might wonder? Building these shelters is akin to conducting a nightly symphony. Imagine having to dismantle and reconstruct bits of the pavement, shift and then reconnect lurking underground utility and electric cables—all with a race against the tick-tock of nighttime hours. Not to mention doing it in a manner that keeps the pedestrian flow as seamless as possible. It’s enough to deter even the most dauntless of contractors!
And still, Mr. Chadchart has extended an olive branch to potential bidders, daring them to quote 60,000 to 70,000 baht. “Come one, come all,” he seems to say with a twinkle in his eye, “we are open to genius suggestions!”
The BMA hopes to showcase two types of smart shelters. The Type M shelters, cozy at 2.3 by 3 meters, come complete with three seats and generously cost around 230,000 baht. For those who fancy more room to sprawl, the Type L shelters span 2.3 by 6 meters, seating six, and a snip at 320,000 baht. Both designs promise not just shelter from the storm, but a touch of sophistication, courtesy of an enlightening collaboration with Navamindradhiraj University’s City Lab.
But hold on! What about the criticisms of the shelters being too “open”? Mr. Chadchart wisely counters that bus stops are not meant to be fully enclosed. And perhaps rightly so! Who wouldn’t want to bask in a bit of Bangkok’s ambience while waiting for that notoriously elusive bus?
It looks like Bangkok is set on the course to marry tradition with modernity, promising that waiting for public transport might just transform from a tedious chore into a pleasant pit stop. Now, if only the buses arrived on time!
I love the idea of making bus stops smarter and more comfortable! Governor Chadchart is taking Bangkok into the future!
Sure, it’s innovative, but couldn’t that money be better spent elsewhere like on improving the bus system itself?
I get your point, but these shelters could encourage more people to use public transport, easing congestion.
Streetrunner99 has a point. Prioritizing efficient services over fancy shelters might be more practical.
Yeah, but isn’t it embarrassing that so many stops don’t even have roofs?
These shelters sound great! But what about making them safer too? So many public places in Bangkok are dark and sketchy at night.
Right! They should definitely think about lighting and security cameras.
Cameras will just be used to invade privacy. Invest in better policing instead.
Better lighting can make a huge difference though, and it would be more welcoming.
I read that the new shelters have lighting included. The safety concerns might still need to be addressed in other ways.
Isn’t it crazy how expensive these things are? 230,000 baht is a lot for just one small shelter!
It’s urban development, you can’t avoid high costs, and a lot goes into making it happen.
Sure, but it still seems excessive for what it is. There must be cheaper solutions.
With proper bidding, maybe they’ll find a more cost-effective contractor!
Let’s not forget the environmental impact. Is there a plan to make these shelters sustainable?
Good point! Sustaining the environment should be a priority with new constructions.
I’ve heard they’re integrating solar panels. That’s pretty neat for sustainability!
How does Bangkok plan to address accessibility with these new shelters? Not everyone can easily hop on a bus.
Exactly. Access for disabled people should be a top priority!
If they overlook accessibility, it would be a huge oversight. It’s 2025!
Sounds like a cool project but will these shelters prevent heatstroke? It’s like an oven out there!
Maybe they could install fans or misters? Some places in the US have that.
I’d be happy just to have a roof to hide under from the sun!
Great move! Anything that gets people out of cars and onto public transport is a win in my book.
There’s no denying the environmental benefits if it works!
What’s the point if the buses are always late anyway? The shelters don’t change that.
Valid point. Fixing the whole system would be ideal, but one step at a time!
Hopefully, with more people using the buses, they’ll have more incentive to improve the service.
I’m curious how they decided on the design. Are locals involved in the planning?
I’ve seen some of these start pilot programs before and then fizzle out. I hope they follow through!
At least it’s nice to see some fresh ideas coming from BMA. This city needs a facelift.
If they make them look cool, it might become a trendy meeting point. That’s a cool side effect!
Just wait until vandals hit the new shelters. Keeping them maintained will be another challenge.
Why isn’t the private sector stepping in to sponsor these shelters with adverts and make them affordable?
Innovation is key, but perhaps some citizen feedback should be considered before big investments.
It’s interesting that they chose to model this after urban projects in Europe. I hope it adapts well to our culture.