Passengers can enjoy free rides on the new electric buses of Bangkok’s newly upgraded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for two months, following its relaunch on Sunday, September 1, according to a company transport official.
The new electric buses have replaced the older natural gas vehicles (NGV) that served the BRT for more than 14 years, and the route now includes additional stops at the Chan-Narathiwat and Ratchada-Narathiwat intersections.
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) operates the service, which runs daily from 6am to 10pm.
BTSC, which also manages the BTS Skytrain, secured the contract to operate the BRT system, which extends 15.9 kilometers from Sathon Road to Ratchaphruek Road through a competitive bidding process.
With a bid of 465 million baht, the company was granted the concession to manage the BRT for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
The newly introduced buses are designed to be universally accessible, including features such as wheelchair access, enhancing convenience for passengers with disabilities, as noted by the official.
Each electric bus is outfitted with five security cameras and a GPS tracking system.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will determine and announce the final fares for the service at a later date.
Last month, Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon mentioned that the BRT fare is expected to be a flat rate of 15 baht per ride.
Should the enhanced BRT service gain favour with commuters, plans are in place to extend the route further, as previously indicated by the BRT.
