Bangkok police just launched the GetVan Booking app to help passengers book seats on public vans and reduce wait times.

According to The Nation, around 2,500 van operators have joined the project, which currently covers more than 30 routes up to 300km outside of Bangkok.

On top of booking seats, the app will eventually be developed to allow passengers to report the inappropriate behavior of public van drivers at the click of a button, whether it's overloading, speeding or scary driving. 

We downloaded the app and while the design is a little cluttered, it does seem to get the job done. Strangely, you can only log-in via Facebook (too bad there's no other option). Type in your destination (we tried Huahin) and it will tell you where to catch the van and what time it is leaving. You can book a seat directly from the app and get an E-ticket with QR code to be scanned 15 minutes before departure time. Booking is free at the moment with payment on departure, but apparently in-app payment is in the pipeline.

Traveling via vans has earned a poor reputation due to speeding drivers and long wait times, and it's probably wishful thinking to say this app will make the process any safer or more convenient. 

The app is available for free on both Android and iOS, and is in both Thai and English.