Bangkok's BRT will continue to operate, but at an extra cost for commuters
This is just a small price to pay.
7 years ago
Bangkok’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will continue operating, despite recent threats it would be canceled.
Back in February, the BMA announced plans to axe the 16km bus service as early as April citing annual losses of B200 million. However, on Monday, Bangkok Governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang confirmed the BRT will no longer be scrapped, though its flat fares will be increased from B5 to B15.
This news is sure to please the 25,000 daily commuters who use the service, which comprises a bus-only lane with stops between Sathorn and Ratchapruek roads.
The BRT was established in 2010 with the original purpose to feed commuters to the BTS line. The BMA's announcement to cut the service was greeted with widespread condemnation with many seeing it as a blow to low-income earners and students, in particular.
Though the BRT's future beyond Apr 30 is now assured, Pol Gen Aswin told media the service will continue only until other mass-transit systems, like monorail or light rail, are installed.
Negotiations on who will manage the BRT are still ongoing (it's been operated by the BTS group since 2010), with the increased fare estimated to net an extra B90 million for City Hall.
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