BKK Water Transport: Pakret river service

[jpatokal]

Good to see more canal boats coming up... but one missing route I've always wondered about: why don't the Saen Saep boats continue from Phanfa/Wat Saket along Khlong Banglamphu? This would allow bypassing Ratanakosin's traffic and connecting with the Chao Phraya express boats instead.

[Wisarut]

Khun jpatokal, the 2nd city moat (Klong Rob Krung) has too many obstacles from Pom Phra SUmen to Wat Liab... diificult
to steer the boats through .... Furthermore, this sectio has to bee cleansed up by digging ddeepter ...

However, Klong Phadung Kung Kasem is quite better off except that they are no longer be able to go into Chao Phraya river
since the water cleaning station at Thewet as well as Si Phraya
have prevent the boats from doiung so ...

[Manicek]

Hi!

Can anybody tell me which company operates express boats on Chaopraya river? Is it same like for public busses BMTA? Has this company also website with time tables, maps and fare lists?

Thanks for your help:)

Ivo Manicek

[Wisarut]

Khun Manicek,

You are refering to Chao Phraya Express Boat which are
run by Suphatthra CO.Ltd. -> a private concession holder

Go to at http://www.chaophrayaboat.com/
and see the company as well qas the Schedule

[ncr]

Ahhh, K. Wisarut was faster with his reply..... :)

Well, Ivo - as he said, it's definitely not the BMTA who operates these boats (they don't operate ANY boats, to be exact), but a private company (concession holder).

All of the information on their website still seems to be "under construction", though.

But 2bangkok.com also has some very nice information on the ferry, canal and river boat services, if you didn't notice it yet:

http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/ferries.shtml

As for the operating times of the Chao Phraya Express Boats, they probably start around 6 am (for the commuters going to work by boat) and stop the service between 7 and 8 pm - similar to the Saen Saep canal boats. They operate some time into the darkness after sunset, I have experienced it; the boats are equipped with position lamps and headlights.

The fares are quite cheap, but I forgot the exact amounts. They depend on the distance travelled and type of boat. Can anyone help?

BTW: the small photo on the left was taken standing on the rear platform of an Express Boat in July this year.

BTW2: a (belated) welcome to the first Czech member of the forum! You know, my grandmother was Czech. (I am German.) Which city (or village...) are you from? - I have only ever been to Prague.

[Wisarut]

Khun NCR,

For the Regular one 6-15 Baht, and Express one (Yellopw Flag) 15 Baht flat rate ... Well just try travelling by Chao Phraya Express boat during the rainy and stormy time aroud 6-7 PM ... which I have been there and you'll see ....

[GWR]

http://home.wxs.nl/~hendr012/expressboat2.htm

[jpatokal]

There's a cleaner version here (http://bangkok.sawadee.com/expressboat.htm), but unfortunately both are out of date -- the green flag boats haven't been running for years now.

The Chao Phraya River Express folks used to have a pretty good site (with up-to-date map) at *chaophrayaboat.com, but the domain has been taken over some random gambling ad site...

[GWR]

http://www.2bangkok.com/ferries.shtml

[ncr]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2005/08/17/national/index.php?news=national_18362239.html

Note: The last paragraph is confusing and close to complete nonsense (as so often when reporters talk about mass transit) - I assume they are alluding to the new shortcut canal next to the mega bridge and boat services on the Chao Phraya between Sathorn and Samut Prakan? The article in its entirety:

Speedboats set to ply canal route

Published on August 17, 2005

The rise in fuel prices has interested a company in running express boats on a route connecting Phra Khanong and Ying Charoen Market, the Marine Department said yesterday.

“The new operation would support the city’s transportation system linking bus, boat and rail together,” said director-general Tawalyarat Onsira.

Winner and Winning Services Co Ltd has proposed a fleet of 20 speedboats with 40 seats each offering the public boat service for a flat Bt20 fare along the 23.9 kilometres of Phra Khanong and Lat Phrao canals.

Another firm had tried to serve the route but wound up operations after racking up losses, he said.

The service will be trialled for three months, starting next month.

The boats’ speed will have to be strictly controlled for safety.

The Marine Department will also dig a new canal between Sathorn in Bangkok and Samut Prakan. As the Klong Lat Po route would save 18 kilometres from going by land, more than 44,000 passengers have been predicted to ditch their private vehicles and opt for the waterway.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

[Wisarut]

Yep, the Marine Dept isgoing to run the boat service to Paknam via
Lad Pho Shortcut Canl (the big canal near the underconstructed Bridge)

[ncr]

Yep, the Marine Dept isgoing to run the boat service to Paknam via
Lad Pho Shortcut Canl (the big canal near the underconstructed Bridge)Yes, but in the article it sounds as if they will dig a new canal all the way from Sathorn to Samut Prakan......! :rolleyes:

We [=informed people on the forum with a special interest in such things] know what and where the Lat Pho Canal is, but the general public doesn't. Why they don't mention the bridge and the shortcut through the river bend? Stupid reporters... that's how they 'research' news? That's what they call 'information'? They just pick up some blahblah from a press release or gov't official and print it without even thinking if it's logical or if it may need some additional explanation. And as far as mass transit lines are concerned, without ever visualizing them on a mental map. A new boat route! Great! Where? When? How? Doesn't matter. Somehow people will be able to take a boat from Taksin Bridge [note: they didn't mention that it starts from Sathorn Pier, either] to Paknam in the future. Maybe.

[Wisarut]

This news has shown the quality of reports which are going downhill due to theri own laziness ... love to plagalize from otehr people ... Evemn my momwho teaches about joiurnalismhas seen this kind of rampage plagalism in front of her durign the testing ... :(

[GWR]

In all fairness, I know some (slightly affluent) locals who don't even know their way to the nearest market. They rely on Tuk-Tuk & Songthaew drivers to have that kind of 'special knowledge'. [About the only 'respect' they ever show the poor sods, however.] It amazes the hell out of some local folk that expats often know all the shortcuts.

[The Enforcer!]

It amazes the hell out of some local folk that expats often know all the shortcuts.
...and it never ceases to maze me how many Taxi Drivers know all the longcuts!

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

I caught this new river/canal ferry service last week in the afternoon from Saphan Taksin to near Rama III bridge and was pleasantly surprised by the service and the quality of the boats. However, one draw back is that the service only operates for a few hours in the morning and afternoon peak periods but hopefully patronage expands and the service becomes sustainable.

I also wanted to catch the new klong service from Saphan Memorial up Bangkok Noi but didn't make it but was wondering if this service is also peak period only??

PUBLIC TRANSPORT New river ferry service launched
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK (BKK Post, 15/08/05)

The Water Transport and Maritime Commerce Department has launched a new shuttle ferry service across the Chao Phraya river, between Sathorn and Dao Kanong on the Thon Buri side. A flat 10-baht fare is charged for the ride, which was expected to become popular, said Thawalrat Onsira, the department chief.

The service, which connects with the skytrain at Taksin station, was launched on Aug 1. About 1,000 people were already using it each day, he said. The department was looking after its operations while the Thai Shipowners' Association was paying for the fuel and crew. After six months, the association would decide whether to accept the concession and take over the service from the department. The department was also negotiating with the association to run the Memorial Bridge-Petch Kasem soi 20 route, which has reported low passenger numbers.

Other routes earmarked for extension included the boat services from Sathorn to Klong Toey, Ramkhamhaeng to Ying Charoen Market and the lucrative route from Sathorn to Samut Prakan via Lad Pho. Two companies, Rua Duan Chao Phraya and Viboon Sri Karn Dern Rue, are vying for a concession to operate the Sathorn-Samut Prakan boat service.

An investment of 98 million baht would be needed to upgrade the piers. To make the extended route to Sathorn more attractive, no fare hikes would be imposed. The extension would enable customers to connect with the skytrain.
Mr Thawalrat said the Transport Ministry would keep the fares low and deploy boats that meet the safety requirements. Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Vetchayachai stressed the importance of improving the fleet of commuter boats and developing piers for tourists.

[Wisarut]

Yep,another Peakservice ONLYfor the route from
Memorial Bridge - Phetkasem 20 route via bangkok Noy canal :p

[The Enforcer!]

Any route maps available for these new services?

the Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

New Boat route are here: :D

Sathon - Dao Khanong
http://www.md.go.th/NewWay/sathorn1.jpg

Memorial bridge - Phetkasem
http://www.md.go.th/NewWay/patkasame1.jpg

[GWR]

String:-
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1074
Most Relevant Post:-
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=5928&postcount=10
Sathon - Dao Khanong
http://www.md.go.th/NewWay/sathorn1.jpg
Memorial Bridge - Phetkasem:-
http://www.md.go.th/NewWay/patkasame1.jpg

[The Enforcer!]

Thanks Khun Wisarut,

Our ever resourceful champion!

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

Khun GWR, with all the new BMA proposed river/canal ferry lines, have you come across a map of the proposed network anywhere?

[GWR]

Sorry! I'll post it if I ever find it.
Khun GWR, with all the new BMA proposed river/canal ferry lines, have you come across a map of the proposed network anywhere?

[The Enforcer!]

Isn't there supposed to be a new route from Talad Yingcharoen to Ramkhamhaeng 29 ?

I bet Khun Wisarut has a map!!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

I am a little confused. The BMA issued a press release a few months ago announcing a extension of the Saensaeb service from Wat Sri Bunrueang to Minburi, and the reintroduction of the Ladprao (Yingcharoen market to Phrakhanong Bridge) service ... yet on the frontpage of 2bangkok it is listing these services as terminated!

Is the listing on 2Bangkok the 'old' service hence the BMA is trying to restart them, or is it saying that the 'new' services have been terminated?

The Enforcer!

[admin]

The list on the front page was translated by Wisarut about a year ago and I only just posted it now...

[Yappofloyd]

Thanks for the clarification as I was also a tad confused.

Given expanding Klong services could we not have a sub-forum on river and klong services under Mass transit and then move the 2 or 3 threads into the main sub forum.

[The Enforcer!]

The list on the front page was translated by Wisarut about a year ago and I only just posted it now...
Thanks.

I am amazed that Pongsak Ruktapongpisal has not thought of Khlong Boats as a viable alternative to Subway or Skytrain!

The Enforcer!

[pong]

am now back in rainy/steamy BKK, since some 6 monthes and atching up with backreading, now in RamKamHaeng. Saw these shiny new boats a few days ago when riding the 82 bus along the taksin Rd in Thonburi and wondered that maybe the old klong service was being upgraded/ so Thats it! Good to see that new news gets here quickly and extensively! Will try it out as soon as time permits.

[BangkokBlues]

Lad Pho Canal to be done by the end of 2006 - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Thairath, October 7, 2005
La Pho Canal--the shortcut canal across Bang Krajao area of Phra Padaeng will shorten the Chao Phraya Express Boat route by 18 km and make the water flow better during high tide and floods. This will be done by the end of 2006.

Can someone advise me on the exact location of this khlong?? Is this the one under the new mega bridge??? Thanks..............

[Wisarut]

Yep, the one uner the Mega Y Bridge across Chao Phraya at Bang Krajao (Phra padaeng) - Rama 3 - Poochao Saming Phrai area

[BangkokBlues]

Thanks, I was very confused by the statement about the express boat. The current express boat does not go that far down the river, nor can I imagine a public express boat going through the current lock and canal when I view it from the river. Any more info on this express boat comment?????

[Wisarut]

That's the future extensions once Lad Pho Shortcut canal isOPENED

[BangkokBlues]

Wow, that's interesting news. Is that noted on the mass transit future map?? Guess I'd best check it. Seems the new "blue flag" service Nonthaburi/Sathorn is working well as there are now 6 runs a day, 3 each way. A friend rode it Monday, great...not overloaded, 40 minute run, one stop.

[jpatokal]

Wow, that's interesting news. Is that noted on the mass transit future map?? Guess I'd best check it. Seems the new "blue flag" service Nonthaburi/Sathorn is working well as there are now 6 runs a day, 3 each way. A friend rode it Monday, great...not overloaded, 40 minute run, one stop.
"Blue Flag"? First I've heard of this -- this is some kinda super-super express that's even faster than the red/orange/yellow ones? What are the stops?

And are there any plans to revive the former "green flag" service north up to Ko Kret and beyond?

[BangkokBlues]

Yes, Blue Flag is faster due to the fact it only has one stop between Nonthaburi and Sathorn.........the stop is at Wang Lang (Siriraj Hospital). Transit time is 40 minutes...there are three runs starting in the morning from Nonthaburi something like 0715, 0730, 0745 and three in the evening from Sathorn, 1715, 1735, 1805. All of these times are likely not correct, one needs to check the posted schedule at the pier. As always the boat schedule can change from time to time with no notice. Fare is 32 full trip or 22 if you hop off at Wang Lang.

Know of no plans for the Green Flag re-emerge. Could be in the works.

[Yappofloyd]

Anyone have an update on how the two new services are going? Is patronage good? It would be a shame if the services are not getting ridership. Also, has the operator expanded the service times as I remember that it was mainly limited to peak hours.

I hope to ride the Phetkasem service when I'm back in a month assuming that it will still be operating.

[Wisarut]

Well, If the Blue Ring is constructed with the connections to the canal pier
at Bangkok Noy canal and Dao Khanong canal, the services would be a regular all day service instead of jsut run hour services. :D

Trust me, I think both route are quite popular even though NOTreachign the Saen Saeb canalservice YET.

[Yappofloyd]

Well it will be many years before the Blue Ring becomes parts of the equation for interconnectivity.

Good to hear that both routes are popular. So are they expaning the service times beyond peak hours? When will there be a connection with Saen Saeb and how will the routs be connected? A forget all the BMA annoucements of new routes.

[pong]

Spo whats popular then?
As I promised, I am not just admiring shiny new things but even test them out, and as I have to visit bangpakok/BangPhakaew anyway 1-2/week: this is it.
1.the Taksin-Bangpakok boat: only 3 trips between 16.30-18.00. When I sued it, 12 (plus me, maybe thats the unlucky) pax on board. NO other stops were made, though that nice map suggests otherwise. oat as such indeed fine, the usual Thai polite service with smile.
BUT; over the river is just as speedy as the ChPraya Duan, but to ENTER the klong (for just 200 mtrs) a SLUICE has te be passed and this took a full 20 mins! much manoevring with other boats needed, very narrow canal. This wasted about any timegain, total trip time came to 42 mins. ONLY if you happen to live rightbeside thatboat, an addit. taxi/bus/thonburi sharetuktuk (their speciailty, 5bt/ride still) is needed, so one might just as well use that bus from taksin/Charoen krung anyway. Also the normal klong boat, going furhter, is still running and was also near empty. This was not a special day or so, a normal midweek withj no day off or whatever.
2.a few days later Bang Khae was my destination and thus I headed to Sapan Puth. A nice lady was doing the tickets for the obvious ChPraya Duan, an enormous shield was there extolling the virtues of this new service (also on the phetkasem road, the other end). and NO boat anymore! This was last week, 29 or 30/11. Was confirmed by the ticket lady too. The NORMAL narrow klongboat (I think from Ta Tien or Chang) still runs, but also only now a few trips left in peak hours.

[otherstuff1957]

I walk across Saphan Phutt almost every day and, as recently as this friday I say two of the new boats passing each other on the river. One of them proceeded to stop at the Saphan Phutt Dock where ONE passenger got off. This was at about 9am. So it looks as though rush hour service is still going on.

However, if it takes over 40 minutes to get to Petchasam 20, it probably won't last long. I've taken the Klong Sen Seb boat quite often and it only takes about 35 minutes to get from Pratunam to Bang Kapi, verses almost an hour by bus. I've also taken the regular longtail ferries from Nonthaburi to Bang Yai and from Ta Chang to Bang Kroui. They were both cheap and fast, reaching their destinations in 15 to 20 minutes. It's a shame that the new service cannot match this efficiency.

[Wisarut]

Wait until I have a chance to try both routes by myself. :)

[Yappofloyd]

To add to Khun Pongs trip report, and my previous trip on the other service, after taking a few shots of the newly completed BTS Phetkasem viaduct extension I took the opportunity to take the canal service from Thannon Phetkasem, soi 20, back to Saphan Taksin. @pong Even though Khun Pong was told that the service was not running anymore ...I suspect that this may have been due to the long-tail guys at Saphan Phut who normally do an ad-hoc Bangkok Yai run and porbably do not like this service.
(Note: although the service says it goes from Spahan Phut , Merorial Bridge, it actually runs as a through service to Taksin and then onwards and vice versa).

The boats are still in good condition and spacious like the Dao Kanong service but patronage appears very low, unfortunately. There were only two of us for the whole journey (5:15pm). I thought that the boats running the other way from Memorial to Phetkasem would be more full but of the three passed none had more than 6-8 passengers. I suspect that BMA is heavily subsidising this service currently as stipulated in the contract (refer previous media reports).

The boats are quite slow as Klong BKK Yai gets a lot of long-tail tourist traffic, the pace picked up quite a bit once we were on the river. Total journey time was just under 30 mins which is not too bad when it would take the same time by taxi and at least an hour by bus. I was then able to jump on the BTS and be at the Emporium in under one hour for the whole trip which is wuite good travelling. Frequency appears to be every 10-15mins but the problem is still that it is peak only.

It is a shame that the service doesn't appear to be getting good pax numbers at the moment but perhaps it will take some time. (However the article posted on this thread from Bkk post on 15/08 also mentions that there are low pax numbers on this service)

I also took the new klong service on Klong Prasijarun (spelling?) which runs parallel to Thannon Phetkasem on the south side to/from Wat Khun Chan where you can connect with the Bangkok Yai service. Not sure how far west this service runs but I took it to the back of Future Park, lots of school children catching this service.

This service is one of four mention in the Manager Weekly article 22-28 April 05 (trans. by khun Wisarut), http://www.2bangkok.com/ferries.shtml (the Phaseecharoen Line -> Charoenphat 31 Bridge - Phetkasem 69 (15.6 km).

[Wisarut]

BMA or Marine Depot Better modify the route to capture more passengers though .... Better take the passengers' demands into accounts:p

[Scott]

With great skepticism as to this ever coming to fruition, the Bangkok Post has an article on linking bus and boat ticketing (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/04Jan2006_news14.php). While this is a badly needed step in the right direction, it would have been nice to create a bus to bus ticketing link first. As far as I know, you can't transfer bus tickets for any lines in the city. And if they are going in this direction, could it really be that much more work to include BTS and MRT? Better now than AFTER we build 7 new lines (possibly each with their own ticketing system).

The source for the article points out that
"Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has approved the framework and the government was confident the system would make commuting easier, faster and cheaper.
Yet to be decided is whether the government or the private sector will invest in the ticket integration project."

Hmm, given that this is sposnored by Thaksin, I'd say there is about a 99% chance that this will involve some private investment.

[pong]

Actually there WAS such a system, for about 2 years, and scrapped; dead easy, like any worldclass city in Europe/USA etc has; Weekly and Monthly tickets, and even daily, ONLY for the BMTA-itself operated buses (red/normal and orange/AC+ a few others) at then, the bargain price of 10/50/200 THB for 1/7/31 days. 3=triple that for the AC buses.
But never nowhere in the whole of thailand such a scheme exists. In fact other Asian world class cities like Tokyo, HongKong, Singapore etc do not have 1 either: what they do have is a kind of tiny discount; IF you use their Oyster/smart/octopys or whatever card and transfer (also to/fro Metro) whithin a cetain time limit
This is Thailand so if any private operator will be turned in, it means endless haglle&struggle about who gets the money and who pays most and that theyre so certain to loose the money already, etc.

[pong]

Thanks for this mr Yappofloyd: but to get a start, why not simply POST TIMES at the relevant quays? And I understood it was your tri OUTbound in the PM-peak: well at that time when i succumbed to the bus, I used the 7koh all the way to Bang Khae/market=a little beyond Future (my final destination anyway for that day) from Spn Phut and this took about 35 mins alltogether.
Now I am in a cold/frosty Europe, but I'll thus try again from taksin next time in Bkk (unless it has been suspended then).
Could you please post if that boat actually made a STOP a Sapan Phut? Perhaps (it were ot the longtailguys, but the kindlady from the Chao Praya Rua Duan=exprssboat, grossly overloaded in the peaks, who had no interest whatsoever in ''lost custom''). If she had known, she could have sold me a ticket to taksin, infact.....

[Yappofloyd]

Khun pong,
I actually caught the service IN-bound about 5:15pm from Phetkasem Soi 20 (actually the second pier just near Thannon Phetkasem). The boat did not stop at Sphan Phut although the driver asked both of us if we wanted to go there or to Saphan Taksin, so I assume had one of us wanted to get off at Saphan Phut he would have stopped there before going to Taksin.

The operating times seem to be 6:30-9:30am and 4:30-7:00pm but I cannot confirm this as this info is from a sign at Saphan Taksin for the Dao Kanong service but I assume it is the same for the Klong Bangkok Yai service.

I think that part of the problem is that the service should run at least until 11am and perhaps from 2pm if it cannot operate the whole day.

[Yappofloyd]

With great skepticism as to this ever coming to fruition, the Bangkok Post has an article on linking bus and boat ticketing (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/04Jan2006_news14.php). While this is a badly needed step in the right direction, it would have been nice to create a bus to bus ticketing link first. As far as I know, you can't transfer bus tickets for any lines in the city. And if they are going in this direction, could it really be that much more work to include BTS and MRT? Better now than AFTER we build 7 new lines (possibly each with their own ticketing system).

Well Khun Scott it seems your wish is on the way. There has been a few artciles in the last few months about BMTA purchasing new gas-powered buses in order to update the fleet and now it seems there is a commitment to update the antioqauted ticketing system by offering trasnfer tickets. Of course ideally and eventually it would be good to see a wholly intergrated ticketing system for bus, train and boat but that is a long way off.

Khun pong, yes I remember those tickets which were withdrawn about 2 years ago. I used to buy a 35 baht daily for govt buses or the weekly ticket whioch was great value at 170 baht. Unfortunately, I heard that they were withdrawn due to poeple printing copies and using them. However, once electronic ticketing is introduced hopefully the daily/weekly/monthly will come back.

City to get 2,000 modern vehicles (BKK Post 07/01/06)

The Transport Ministry plans to serve commuters in Greater Bangkok with 2,000 modern air-conditioned buses, equipped with a global positioning system and contactless transfer ticket readers, in nine months. Opas Phetmunee, acting director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), said yesterday that the 2,000 new buses would be environmentally-friendly natural gas vehicles, and would collect a flat fare of only 10 baht that will allow passengers to change buses on newly designed web-like routes without being repeatedly charged.

He said the new buses will have wider doors and they will have sensors to prevent passengers from being squeezed. A global positioning system will allow bus supervisors to check the frequencies of buses on individual routes and their speeds, particularly to discipline drivers. The buses will have electronic signs to display bus route numbers and details. The signs will be useful when the BMTA needs some additional buses on particular routes because it will able to change route numbers and details on buses and move them to new routes that need more buses.

Along with the redesigned routes, the BMTA will renovate bus terminals where commuters can park their vehicles, eat, shop and get on buses. A highlight of the new buses will be their electronic ticket card readers. Passengers will have ''radio frequency cards'' (RF cards) instead of conventional paper tickets. The electronic ticket card system would allow the BMTA to reduce its staff, Mr Opas said.

Kamropluck Suraswadi, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry, said the RF card system would be ready for use in eight months. Transfer tickets will allow commuters to catch not only passenger buses but also trains and boats. State-owned transport agencies will join the new ticket card system in the first place and the ministry will encourage private operators, especially those who run electric trains, to participate. A private company will be invited to introduce the ticket system and earn 5-7% of fares in return. Such RF cards cost 30 baht and a card reader 6,000-7,000 baht.The new ticket system would be worthwhile regarding the end of printed paper tickets, Mr Kamropluck said.

[Wisarut]

Those Chao Prhay Express as well as the extenson cannot coperate after 8 PM for safety reasons ... It can hit into the tug boat that carry sand ravel or even rice from upsteam ... or even hitting into luxury Hotel boats ;)

[Yappofloyd]

Some more info on proposed changes to bus routes

4,000 new buses, shorter routes Transfer ticket plan should cut congestion
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK (Bkk Post 09/01/06)

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will start revamping bus routes this month and deploy 4,000 new air-conditioned buses in a major exercise to provide Bangkok commuters with a more convenient and safer bus service. Opas Phetmunee, BMTA acting director said routes will be shortened from 35-40 kilometres to 20 kilometres each to form a web that will consist of inner, central and outer loops as well as routes to link the loops, the network of expressways and other mass transit services.

Nodes or bus terminals will be established to function as connecting points of the shortened routes to enable passengers to change buses at terminals without being repeatedly charged. Terminals for the inner loop will be developed at Mor Chit 2, Victory Monument, Sanam Luang, Wong Wian Yai and Klong Toey. Those for the central loop will be at Bang Khen, Happy Land, Bang Na, Keha Rama II, Bang Khae and Rama V, and those for the outer loop at Rangsit, Pakkret, Bang Buathong, Om Yai, Samut Sakhon, Paknam, Samrong, Suvarnabhumi and Min Buri.

The city bus state enterprise will acquire 4,000 air-conditioned buses to implement the re-routing scheme. It will deploy 592 buses in the inner loop, 768 in the central loop, 751 in the outer loop, 640 on expressways, 402 on circular routes and 847 on old routes. Passengers will be charged a flat fare of 10 baht once and can change buses at will for one-way trips. Mr Opas said that the re-routing plan will reduce the duplication of bus routes, thus cut the number of buses on streets and relieve traffic congestion.

Shortened routes will lead to safe service because drivers will not have to endure long routes. The conditions of new buses will also contribute to passenger safety. The re-routing system will keep passengers waiting for only five minutes for a bus thanks to the shortened routes that will improve the frequencies of arriving buses. Passenger convenience will also result from the freedom to change buses with the 10-baht flat fare and from re-routing because there will be new routes to reach suburbs and send commuters to electric train systems. Electronic transfer ticket cards will be introduced to allow commuters to change buses smoothly. As the new buses will be natural gas vehicles, the re-routing scheme will also be an environmentally-friendly project. Mr Opas plans to try the re-routing system this month.

The BMTA supervises the service of almost 16,000 buses that operate on 430 routes. They consist of 3,623 buses of the BMTA as well as 3,485 ordinary buses, 1,113 minibuses, 2,179 small-street minibuses, and 5,512 passenger vans of concessionaires.

The BMTA has 4.9 billion baht in assets in the form of its own buses, land, garages and depots while suffering an annual loss of over five billion baht. Along with the re-routing project, the BMTA plans to gradually replace its ailing 1,969 buses including ordinary buses that charge less than 10 baht with the new air-conditioned buses. It plans to stop asking for a government subsidy of four to five billion baht a year to support its loss-making operation because it expects the re-routing system to make money. To implement the re-routing scheme, the bus agency will require the government to pay about 8-12 billion baht to buy 2,000 air-conditioned buses or half the number designated for the new scheme.

The agency plans to gradually introduce the new buses on streets, with the first 500 to be deployed within eight months. The new buses will have door sensors to prevent the mechanical doors from closing on passengers. They will also be equipped with global positioning system equipment to allow supervisors to manage the appropriate number of buses on duty on particular routes and monitor bus speeds. The BMTA will let their concessionaires operate on the inner and central routes that do not duplicate its routes.


It will also open new routes on the outskirts of Bangkok for private operators. Suburban routes will also be assigned to its staff who may be interested in buying ailing buses from the BMTA and operating them. The BMTA will encourage its staff to do the business because it will reduce its workforce through the introduction of the electronic ticket card system.

[jpatokal]

The changes seem pretty radical, to say the least. Where is Bangkok going to suddently get 4,000 (!) new buses, and where is the space for all these massive interchanges they're talking about? And doesn't this three-way split thing mean you'd need to change buses twice to get from somewhere in the center to out to the suburbs?

I also find the idea of being able to change buses freely in one direction to be unusual. How will this be implemented -- color-coded tickets for travel "up" (into) and "down" (out of) the city?

[gwmss15]

some ENFORCED bus lanes on main roadsand intergration with mrt and skytrain and SRT rail "rangsit DMU" etc as well as a simple smartcard ticket that can be used on all buses private or govt plus trains in bangkok, rangsit, mahachai, paknam and nonthaburi areas of bangkok.

then bangkok buses will get the fair go they need

[Scott]

These articles raised my skepticism more than my hopes. It is great to hear about the effort for transferable electronic ticketing. But especially in the most recent article, the BMTA seems to be promising the world without any reasonable explanation of how they will achieve the lofty goals. Jpatokal's question is only the beginning.

As I read this, BMTA will provide a more comfortable, safer, and more frequent service using fewer vehicles at a lower cost to passengers while eliminating the government operations subsidy. While each of these changes would be a great improvement, there is no explanation in this article as to how this package could possibly be feasible.

On the one hand, this is yet another example of a government agency making outrageous promises that could not possibly be fulfilled with an unrealistic timeline (BMTA will “try” the rerouting this month despite the fact that they won’t get any new buses for eight more months at the earliest). Just focusing on frequency, even with the current duplication of routes buses often don’t arrive at a five minute frequency. How would that be achieved by eliminating duplicate routes and reducing congestion? Even if the buses average a five minute arrival, that average would be skewed by the frequent arrival of three or four of the same bus number within a minute or so of one another. Managing the spacing between buses would be more effective and efficient than increasing the overall service.

On the other hand, the ridiculous nature of the proposal is probably exacerbated by the poor reporting of the story. The reporter really should have addressed the obvious question of how such a scheme is financially viable and listing a few of the potential problems with such a pie-in-the-sky plan. Instead the article simply regurgitates the BMTA propaganda without analysis. The Nation didn’t even report on this story. Perhaps there is a Thai language source that is a bit more critical in relaying this info?

Despite, or rather because of, the extravagant promises of this announcement, this is likely to turn quickly into another Hopewell effort. I guess I'm sort of looking a gift horse in the mouth here. Please, someone show me I'm wrong here.

[otherstuff1957]

I rode the Klong Saen Sep recently and noticed a couple of new obstructions near Asok and Italian-Thai. There were originally just a couple of cofferdams that I assumed were temporary, but now there are a couple of concrete towers being built in mid-river! The boats seem to be able to maneuver around the towers, but they are a definite hazard and just another thing to make the service slower and less safe.

Does anyone know what these new structures are? How big will they ultimately be?

[pong]

sawasdee to all, now that I am just back in BKK (left when it was soo cold at Xmas time, but home was colder), and saw the announcement too on the BMTA webiste.
getting 4000 buses can be done very speadily: mr Patokal, when the now old RED buses came new (the early 90ies) they were delivered in batches of 300 each of the series (Hino.Isuzu,Mitsubishi,Daewoo too), in a month or 2= 1200. TBBW (TAAP) just before Cholburi on the main Pattayahighway usually builds them, but often subcontracts. They were also able to build some 2000 microbuses at the time in a few monthes.
In about all of mainland China the flat fare is 1 Yuan (5 baht) for fan and double for AC buses, and they all seem to make money andare much less overcrowded as BKK's buses. They also have nice shelters and big signs showing all stops etc and all routes and are CORRECT and thats a lot more as the BMTA is able to offer. Taksin so often tells the Thai to look to China, but in this respect he is quite right!

[Wisarut]

Now, Marine Dept siad they are going to introdue the Chao Phraya Boat sevice from Samut Prakarn to Sathon via Lad Pho canal in by the end of
July 2006

This will activate the following Pier
1) Saphan Krungthep (in Thonburi side, not far from Mariotte or Holiday Inn)
2) Thanon Tok (terminal of Bus No. 1)
3) Wat jaeng Ron (near Kasikornthai Bank HQ)
4) Sadhipradit (terminal for bus No 22 and 62)
5) Bangkok Square Market
This will also reinvigorate the followign piers
1) Lad Pho pier
2) Pra Padaeng Pier
3) Bang Pla pier (?)
4) Suksawat 53 Pier
5) Pak Nam Pier

Now, hte private sector said they want to introduce Speed Boats on Saensaeb canal ... btu marine Dept Refuses to Approve sicne too many local people have complaine abotu the shock wave from speedy boats ... so ONLY long tail baots allowed .... :eek:

[ncr]

Now, hte private sector said they want to introduce Speed Boats on Saensaeb canal ... btu marine Dept Refuses to Approve sicne too many local people have complaine abotu the shock wave from speedy boats ... so ONLY long tail baots allowed .... :eek:But there are already speed boats on Saen Saep Canal (after dark, around 8pm to 10pm or so)!

Took one of them once from Pratunam to Charn Issara II. Quite terrible devices: extremely noisy, uncomfortable (very cramped space, and the permanent bouncing will bang your spine against the hard wooden bench), and you have to fear you might be thrown out of the boat, or it could smash into a bridge pillar any second. Not for whimps, and not to be recommended, unless you're looking for a thrill. :eek:

Needless to say they don't have their own headlights. They rely on external light sources.

Of course they have one advantage: they are damn fast. Apart from the neckbreaking speed, they are a stop-on-demand service. Before departure, they check where the passengers want to get off. Then they race off into oblivion. Possibly just ten minutes from Pratunam to Ramkamhaeng. Impossible to beat that on the road. I mean, if you arrive.

[Yappofloyd]

Now, Marine Dept siad they are going to introdue the Chao Phraya Boat sevice from Samut Prakarn to Sathon via Lad Pho canal in by the end of
July 2006
Now, hte private sector said they want to introduce Speed Boats on Saensaeb canal ... btu marine Dept Refuses to Approve sicne too many local people have complaine abotu the shock wave from speedy boats ... so ONLY long tail baots allowed .... :eek:

Great news to have a new service from Samut Prakarn to Rama III bridge. This will be a hit with tourists once they work out they can go from Nontaburi all the way to Samur Prakarn. Also a nice way for those who live in Samut to get home rather than a slow bus along Sukhumvit rd.

One day I would like to see an extension from Nontaburi to Pakret. tghen one could travel all the way from Samut Prakrn to Pakret!

Khun ncr, I don't think that the San Saeb boats are that bad but take your point as I have see a few people fall out over the years and it is a given that you'll get a nice splash of dirty klong water if your on the outside. However, it really is the quickest way to get out to the mess of Ram. and Bangkapi from inner city.

[jpatokal]

One day I would like to see an extension from Nontaburi to Pakret. tghen one could travel all the way from Samut Prakrn to Pakret!
This used to exist in the pre-crash days, but was stopped as uneconomic.

Khun ncr, I don't think that the San Saeb boats are that bad but take your point as I have see a few people fall out over the years and it is a given that you'll get a nice splash of dirty klong water if your on the outside. However, it really is the quickest way to get out to the mess of Ram. and Bangkapi from inner city.
I think K. ncr was referring to the kamikaze speed boats, not the ordinary variety, which are only moderately lethal (but are still much, much faster than the average rot thit on Th. Petchaburi or Sukhumvit...).

[ncr]

I think K. ncr was referring to the kamikaze speed boats, not the ordinary variety.Correct. They only run after dark - after the regular boat service has ended. They are much smaller and faster. Around Phetburi Rd you can hear them roar through the night.

[jpatokal]

So I remember that a couple of years ago the BMTA (I think) announced plans to replace the crusty old Saen Saep canal boats with spiffy new fiberglass aircon models. Whatever happened to this? I've been cruising the canals for the past few days and nothing seems to have changed... except that most piers are now finally fitted with (tiny) signs in English announcing the pier name and adjacent stops. And they've hiked the fare for my section from 9 to 12 baht.

[Yappofloyd]

Now, Marine Dept siad they are going to introdue the Chao Phraya Boat sevice from Samut Prakarn to Sathon via Lad Pho canal in by the end of
July 2006

This will activate the following Pier
1) Saphan Krungthep (in Thonburi side, not far from Mariotte or Holiday Inn)
2) Thanon Tok (terminal of Bus No. 1)
3) Wat jaeng Ron (near Kasikornthai Bank HQ)
4) Sadhipradit (terminal for bus No 22 and 62)
5) Bangkok Square Market
This will also reinvigorate the followign piers
1) Lad Pho pier
2) Pra Padaeng Pier
3) Bang Pla pier (?)
4) Suksawat 53 Pier
5) Pak Nam Pier

Now, hte private sector said they want to introduce Speed Boats on Saensaeb canal ... btu marine Dept Refuses to Approve sicne too many local people have complaine abotu the shock wave from speedy boats ... so ONLY long tail baots allowed .... :eek:

Is this service running yet? Also, are the two 'new'"services from Saphan Taksin to both Phetkasem 20 and Rama III respectively still running?

I was down at Saphan Taksin the other night to go across the river but saw no signage for these services even though they would not have been running at time.

[Wisarut]

two 'new'"services from Saphan Taksin to both Phetkasem 20 and Dao Khanong will run ONLY durign Mornign and Evenign rushhour Monday to Friday ... Too Bad :(

[Yappofloyd]

Yes, I was aware that they are only for peak times but what is the patronage like? Getting enough pax?

Also Khun Wisarut, is the Samut Prakarn to Sathorn service running yet? did it actually commence in July?

Must be time for a keen 2bangkok forum member to do a map of all the river and klong services.........or is there a comprehensive one on the web somewhere?

[ncr]

Yesterday and today I noticed there were apparently no boat services on Khlong Saen Saep....? The waters of the canal lay unusually peaceful and quiet. Didn't check if they put up a notice at the piers, though.

Has there been any announcement? Has the junta banned canal boats??? I cannot imagine any reason (other than the troubled boat company finally went bust.)

[otherstuff1957]

I heard that the canal boats were temporarily stopped because of the flooding. Until the waters go down, they cannot get under all of the bridges.

[Wisarut]

The canal boat service will be resumed when

1) Water goign down
2) Water goign up to the extend that those boats can use New Phetburi road as a substitute of Saen Sab canal :eek:

[The Enforcer!]

Water goign up to the extend that those boats can use New Phetburi road as a substitute of Saen Sab canal

Brilliant!

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

Maybe it really is the right time to pull out all the stops on that old notion of Bangkok as being 'The Venice of the East'. It would make a great piece of tourist spin as the sea-level gradually rises over the next few decades

[BKKPages.com]

Khun Yappofloyd,

that is exactly what we are trying to do on our site. Gathering reliable information on this subject ain't easy!

[GWR]

PTT to put NGV engines in Chao Phya express boats

PTT will equip 40 Chao Phya express boats with NGV engines, following a successful trial run with one vessel.

Chitrapongse Kwangsukstith, senior executive vice president of PTT, yesterday said Chao Phya Express Boat Co would have the 40 boats installed with diesel dual fuel (DDF) equipment, which allows the consumption of diesel and NGV (natural gas for vehicles).

The commuter boat with the equipment was found to need only 23-25 litres per trip - half the normal diesel usage of 50 litres. At that rate, the ferry operator could recoup its Bt300,000 installation cost in nine months.

"Now that 40 more boats will have the equipment, this project would halve their diesel consumption. That will reduce diesel imports by 1.2 million litres per year, worth Bt17 million," Chitrapongse said.

To accommodate the growing demand for NGV among express boats, PTT is looking for a location for an NGV station. It will likely rent land in Nonthaburi belonging to a government agency.

PTT is also approaching commuter-boat services on the Saen Saeb canal, though it is difficult to find a place for an NGV filling station.

While a spot on the campus of the National Institute of Development Administration is appropriate, it violates a law requiring a fuel station to be located at least 60 metres away from educational facilities. PTT has consulted with the Energy Business Department to see if the restriction could be eased.

PTT last week also wrote to the Energy Ministry, asking it to seek Cabinet approval for the construction of service stations on roads narrower than 16 metres.

Executive vice president Nattachart Jaruchinda said PTT had been approached by a container operator to put DDF equipment on 12 boats that sail from Ayutthaya to Laem Chabang Port.

Moreover, 11 truck operators are interested in taking out Bt1 billion in loans from PTT to make their trucks NGV-capable, he said.

The truckers are charged the commercial bank minimum overdraft rate plus 2 percentage points, or about 9.75 per cent at today's rates.



http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/17/business/business_30027098.php

[GWR]

Government expands NGV project to cover marine transport network

BANGKOK, Aug 15 (TNA) – The government is going ahead with its plan to expand the use of natural gas for vehicles (NGV) for water transport in an attempt to cut transportation costs, particularly the major logistic system via the country's waterways from the central province of Ayutthaya, according to Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um.

Mr. Sansern on Wednesday witnessed the signing two contracts among Thailand's giant energy company PTT Plc., Chao Phraya Express Boat Co.and GFS Asia Pacific (GFS) as well as a contract between PTT and SCG Logistics on the use of NGV for water transport.

Under the first contract, PTT will expand its support of NGV installations among marine public transport watercraft belonging to Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. Conversions for the vessels were performed by GFS.

As for the second contract, PTT will supply natural gas fuel to SCG Logistics water transport services for their vessels as well.

The deputy minister said the NGV project for boats will help raise public awareness and confidence in natural gas as an alternative and cleaner fuel and reduce the use of diesel fuel by 7 million litres per year or Bt180 million of fuel costs.

NGV has strategically solved the country's imbalance on fuel imports and helped alleviate the potential for oil spills, he added.

Meanwhile, Chitrapongse Kwangsukstith, senior executive vice-president for PTT's Exploration & Production and Gas Business Group said more public transport operators were expected to switch to compressed natural gas (CNG) following the successful conversion and trial of boat services operating on the Chao Phraya River.

He said the trials commenced late last year, proving successful early on, resulting in a 30 per cent fuel cost savings for the operator, Chao Phraya Express, and that the company planned to convert 40 more boats to dual-fuel operation.

Moreover, he said, SCGL would bring in 12 dedicated CNG vessels to serve in cargo transport between Laem Chabang port in the eastern province of Cholburi and Nakhon Luang port in Ayutthaya.

If the commercial use of NGV by the two water transport firms is seen as successful, more companies would be encouraged to switch to NGV, Mr. Chitrapongse said. (TNA)–E003

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=31071

[GWR]

05 November 2007
Marine Dept. holds meeting to discuss fare raise
The Marine Department holds a meeting with boat operators today to discuss a fare raise.

Director-General of the Marine Department Prasong Tanmaneewattana (ประสงค์ ตันมณีวัฒนา) reveals that the meeting will also assess the situation of diesel prices and says the department might approve a fare raise of at least two baht for boats operating in the Chao Phraya River and the Saen Saeb (แสนแสบ) Canal. Ferries taking passengers across the river might also raise their fares by one baht as requested by the operators. Mr Prasong says the department will approve the fare raise if the price of diesel is higher than 32 baht per liter.

The department will submit conclusions of the meeting to a committee in charge of the fare raise of water transportation within these two weeks and will request Transport Minister Adm.Thira Haocharoen (ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ) to consider the new fare rates.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011050008

[GWR]

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011050008

Chao Phraya boat fares to rise Dec 1

Passenger boat operators in the Chao Phraya River get a green light to raise their fares from Dec 1 onwards to cope with the rising diesel price.

According to Prasong Tanmaneewatthana, director-general of the Marine Department, the fares of express passenger boats with yellow and orange flags will rise by two baht and those of normal passenger boats by one baht.

The fare of ferries will go up by 50 satang.

A marine committee and the Transport Ministry will confirm the new fare structure which should take effect on Dec 1, he said.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=123310

[Yappofloyd]

two 'new'"services from Saphan Taksin to both Phetkasem 20 and Dao Khanong will run ONLY durign Mornign and Evenign rushhour Monday to Friday ... Too Bad :(

Haven't heard anything about these two peak hour river/canal services and have not had a chance to check myself. Does anyone know if they are still running these days???

[gwmss15]

Does anyone know if the klong boat services are still running on the thonburi side? I'm most interested in the bang kae and dao khanong services?

If they are still running what hours do they operate and how long does it take to get to sathorn or memorial bridge. also what the frequencies are like?

Another note:

a few years back i obtained a full route timetable for the chao phaya express boat service but this seems to be not available any longer. Does anyone know where to get a copy of this either printed or online for today's boat service?

If not does anyone know the operating hours for the express boat from ratburna to sathorn in the morning and afternoons.

[pong]

hello gwmss
1.I am not 100% sure, but the 2 boats (there were just 2 trips on them anyway in the AM and PM peaks) Taksin-DKng/Phetkasem seems to have ceased. I pass (by bus 82) regularly the quayside at Dknng and never ever see peole/noats there anymore. The timesavings were minimal to non-existent anyway (Ive written a report on my trip- scroll back, about 1 yr ago)
2.the CPr expess reaua duan boats are extensively listed with ALL variations in a brandnw edited BUSguidebook (by bangkok Guide, available in all Thai Se-Ed/B2S etc. bookstores @ 50 bt).

[gwmss15]

Below is a list of links to my blog on the Mass transport boats of Thailand.

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Dao Khanong Klong Boat)

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/mass-transport-boats-of-bangkok-dao.html

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Klong Saen Saep Boat service)

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/mass-transport-boats-of-bangkok-klong.html

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Chao Phraya Express)

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/mass-transport-boats-of-bangkok-chao.html

The Mass Transport Boats of Bangkok (Phra Khanong Klong Boat Service)

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008/03/mass-transport-boats-of-bangkok-phra.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[Yappofloyd]

I guess they will cut the engines and pull out the oars when passing the palace!

Boats told to cut the noise ANCHALEE KONGRUT Bkk Post 29/03/08

Boat drivers on Klong San Saeb have been asked to cut the noise of their engines when passing Sra Pathum Palace, the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, which is next to the canal in Pathumwan. The instruction came from Anongwan Thepsutin, the minister for natural resources and the environment. The agency placed five banners along the canal several days ago, instructing boat drivers to slow their engines when they get near the palace. ''Noise pollution is a nuisance. So we just want to ask for cooperation from the boat drivers,'' the minister said while taking a boat trip along the canal yesterday.

Mrs Anongwan has been trying to curb pollution around the Sra Pathum Palace. Last week she told the media that reflected sunlight from a highrise building had been affecting the palace. The news prompted district officials to hold meetings and order the building's owner to cut back the sun's reflection. This week she ordered the ministry to launch a campaign against excessive boat noise.

[jpatokal]

Boat drivers on Klong San Saeb have been asked to cut the noise of their engines when passing Sra Pathum Palace, the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, which is next to the canal in Pathumwan.
This is such ridiculous bullshit. There are thousands and thousands of people living next to or above the canal, with no concrete walls to protect them at that -- why should the boats be quiet and tip-toe past one of the royal family's bazillion palaces? :mad:

[Wisarut]

This is such ridiculous bullshit. There are thousands and thousands of people living next to or above the canal, with no concrete walls to protect them at that -- why should the boats be quiet and tip-toe past one of the royal family's bazillion palaces? :mad:

Well, people who live aroudn Sra Prathum Palace has complaiined on both Saen Saeb boath that make a loud noise and the skyscrapers whose mirrors have cause glaring effects ... so the people has ask the Secetariate of Princess Sirindhorn to file complains abotu those annoying stuffs si9cne the Saen Saeb boats and the buildign owners would listen to NO ONE but the one from Sra Prathum Palace ...

[GWR]

Citizens turn to passenger boats as buses take strike

The first day of public travel following the ceasing of many buses due to a Transport Company strike saw many citizens having to wait for long periods as there were less public buses available. Many people ended up waiting for hours with observations seeing most turning to use passenger boats.

Large amounts of citizens complained of having to take multiple forms of transport before as some routes no longer have buses. The problem has been compounded by the presence of rallies in the center of the city causing citizens to urge the government to alleviate their burden.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255105290032

Boat fares to rise

Commuters will soon have to pay more when they board a public-transport boat or a ferry.

In the face of rising diesel-oil price, an express boat along Bangkok's Saen Saeb Canal and the Chao Phya River will raise its fare by Bt2.

The fare on other boats will be up by Bt1, while the ferry fee will become Bt0.5 higher than now.

"We plan to approve the raise next week," Marine Department director general Prasong Tanmaneewattana said Friday.

He was speaking as the chairman of a committee governing the passenger-boat affairs.

The Nation


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30074402

[GWR]

BREAKING NEWS
Cabinet approves fare hike for water taxis

(BangkokPost.com) - The cabinet on Tuesday approved a request by taxi-boat operators to increase fares starting June 25 as a result of rising oil price.

Fares on the Chao Phraya express boat service will be increased to 17 from 15 baht for the orange flag while fare for the yellow flag will be raised to 22-31 from 20-29 baht.

Saen Sap boat fare will be increased at 2 baht per at each destination.

Fare for ferry service is also increased for 0.50 baht.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=128114

Passenger boat operators allowed to increase fares

BANGKOK, June 10 (TNA) – Passenger boat operators have been permitted to increase their fares after their business has been negatively affected by rising diesel prices.

Marine Department director-general Prasong Tanmaneewattana spoke in his capacity as chairman of the committee which regulates passenger boat services, saying the committee approved the request of commuter boat operators to increase their fares.

Chao Phraya express boats and boat services in San Saeb Canal will increase their fares by two baht and one baht for normal boats and by 0.50 baht for cross-river ferry service.

The approval will be proposed to the Ministry of Transport for consideration when it will be put into effect.

After the fare rise, the Marine Department will negotiate with boat operators to peg the fare to alleviate burden on commuters. The fare shouldn't be raised again until diesel will reach 45 baht per litre.

The department will confer with the Ministry of Transport to consider subsidising diesel fuel prices for boat operators at three baht per litre. (TNA)-E004

Business News : Last Update : 16:59:10 10 June 2008 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=4695

[Yappofloyd]

Fares for most cross river services have now doubled in the last couple of years once this rise is implemented, still a cheap service though.

CITY TRANSPORT Fares for city passenger boats, ferries to be raised AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 11/06/08
Passenger boat and ferry fares in Bangkok will rise by 0.50-2 baht per trip from June 25 to cope with soaring diesel prices. However, the fares of ferries at crowded piers will remain unchanged.

Prasong Tanmaneewatana, director-general of the Marine Department and head of the Transport Ministry's passenger boat committee, said yesterday that the fares of ferries at small piers on the Chao Phraya river will rise to 3-4 baht from 2.50-3.50 baht. This will apply to every pier that serves no more than 5,000 passengers a day.

Transport authorities have asked operators of ferries at crowded piers to freeze fares. They run six ferry routes: Tha Chang-Wat Rakang, Tha Chang-Wang Lang, Tha Phra Chan Nua-Wang Lang, Tha Phra Chan Nua-Rod Fai, Tha Phra Chan Nua-Pin Klao, and Pin Klao-Thon Buri-Phra Nakhon.

Non-express passenger boats with blue flags on the Chao Phraya river will charge 11-15 baht, up one baht from 10-14 baht. The flat fare for express boats with orange flags will climb by two baht to 17 baht from 15 baht and the fare range of express boats with yellow flags will increase by the same amount to 22-31 baht from 20-29 baht. Express boats with orange flags have fewer stops than those with yellow flags.

Passenger boats on the Saen Saep canal will also impose a two-baht hike that will raise the fare range to 12-22 baht from 10-20 baht per trip. Mr Prasong said his panel asked operators to adhere to the new fares unless diesel prices reach 45 baht a litre. He will ask the Transport Ministry to acquire diesel, which the government subsidises by three baht a litre, for boat operators.

[jerryfin]

2 weeks ago Saen Sep was Bht12-20. Now it's 14-22. When I first started using the service about 6 years ago, it was 3-15. I still think it's good value especialy since they are constructing attractice tow paths on either bank at the Bangkapi end.

[Yappofloyd]

I love Koh Kret and try to get there a couple of times a year. I have always thought that the Chao Phraya Express should extend their service further from Nontaburi to Pakret as I normally get to Pakret with either aircon bus 166 or a minivan.

Imagine my surprise today to find that this has already happened and there is now a service to/from Pakret to Saphan Taksin with 12 stops in all. (Maybe someone posted this info and I missed it). Unfortunately, it runs only at peak times and not on Sundays, there are 7 services in all each way (Pakret to Saphan Taksin in the morning and reverse in the afternoon). It takes just over an hour according to the timetable (see below).

If you really want to show your friends a great river trip, do this one afternoon to Pakret and then catch the 166 aircon express service (via the expressway) bus back to Victory.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg75/yappofloyd/SANY0661-1.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg75/yappofloyd/SANY0662-1.jpg

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg75/yappofloyd/SANY0660-1.jpg
Seven boats in all at the pier for each run it seems.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg75/yappofloyd/SANY0669.jpg

Of course it would be great if the service ran all day and also on the weekend. However, I do treasure the fact that Koh Kret is not overrun with tourists on the weekend market days.

[Wisarut]

I love Koh Kret and try to get there a couple of times a year. I have always thought that the Chao Phraya Express should extend their service further from Nontaburi to Pakret as I normally get to Pakret with either aircon bus 166 or a minivan.

Imagine my surprise today to find that this has already happened and there is now a service to/from Pakret to Saphan Taksin with 12 stops in all. (Maybe someone posted this info and I missed it). Unfortunately, it runs only at peak times and not on Sundays, there are 7 services in all each way (Pakret to Saphan Taksin in the morning and reverse in the afternoon). It takes just over an hour according to the timetable (see below).

If you really want to show your friends a great river trip, do this one afternoon to Pakret and then catch the 166 aircon express service (via the expressway) bus back to Victory.

Seven boats in all at the pier for each run it seems.

Of course it would be great if the service ran all day and also on the weekend. However, I do treasure the fact that Koh Kret is not overrun with tourists on the weekend market days.

Well, you should say that Chao Phraya Express has revived the service to Pakkret whcih has been cut short to Nonthaburi from 1997-2008 .. weven thioug nto a ful service. the Full service to Pakkret could be revive ONLY after MRTA Purple line to bang yai is opened ... to fered the passenger the insame way as Saphan Taksin Pier

[jpatokal]

Thanks for the update! I've revised the Ko Kret page on Wikitravel, but it's been years since I last went, so I'd appreciate it if you could take a look:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Kret#Get_in

[Wisarut]

Thanks for the update! I've revised the Ko Kret page on Wikitravel, but it's been years since I last went, so I'd appreciate it if you could take a look:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ko_Kret#Get_in

As I live very closed to Ko Kret, May I have some authority to correct the way to get into Ko Kret.

1. Aircon bus No. 506 is no more.
2. The aircon bus that go to Pakkret is either 32 or 505.
3. Aircon Bus No. 32 is for those who drop down at Nonthaburi Pier.
4. Aircon Bus No. 505 is for those who drop down at either National Library or Central World.
5. There are also non aircon bus No. 32, No. 51 and No. 166. However, Non Aircon No. 51 cost you 8.50 Baht while Non Aircon No. 32 and 166 cost you 7.50 Baht
6. Those who drop down at Mochit, you can take a ride of Non Aircon bus No. 52 (Bangsue - Pakkret) which cost you 8.50 Baht or aircon van No. 10 (Chatuchak - Pakkret) which cost you 25 Baht.

[Yappofloyd]

Well, you should say that Chao Phraya Express has revived the service to Pakkret whcih has been cut short to Nonthaburi from 1997-2008 .. weven thioug nto a ful service. the Full service to Pakkret could be revive ONLY after MRTA Purple line to bang yai is opened ... to fered the passenger the insame way as Saphan Taksin Pier
More than happy to say 'a revival of service' after over a decade of no service then. Waiting for the Super Express from Pakret to Samut Prakhan one day.....

As I live very closed to Ko Kret, May I have some authority to correct the way to get into Ko Kret.

1. Aircon bus No. 506 is no more.
2. The aircon bus that go to Pakkret is either 32 or 505.
3. Aircon Bus No. 32 is for those who drop down at Nonthaburi Pier.
4. Aircon Bus No. 505 is for those who drop down at either National Library or Central World.
5. There are also non aircon bus No. 32, No. 51 and No. 166. However, Non Aircon No. 51 cost you 8.50 Baht while Non Aircon No. 32 and 166 cost you 7.50 Baht
6. Those who drop down at Mochit, you can take a ride of Non Aircon bus No. 52 (Bangsue - Pakkret) which cost you 8.50 Baht or aircon van No. 10 (Chatuchak - Pakkret) which cost you 25 Baht.
Well with respect Khun Wisarut, there is both the non aircon 166 (red) which you mention and the aircon 166 (dark blue) which I usually catch for 20 odd baht.

And of course mini vans to/from Pakret (near the U-turn) via expressway to Victory, 25 baht.

[Yappofloyd]

Good to see a quick response to falling oil prices.
Canal and river boat fares fall as oil drops - AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 19/09/08
Fares for commuter boats on the Saen Saep canal have been lowered and boat operators on the Chao Phraya river will follow suit on Monday, because of the fall in the price of diesel. The new fares on the Chao Phraya river will drop by up to two baht from Monday, said Parinya Rakwathin, vice-chairman of Thai Boats Association and managing director of the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co. Boat operators on Saen Saep canal slashed their fares on Sept 12.

Mr Parinya said diesel prices had dropped below 32 baht a litre, the benchmark price operators used to ask the government for permission to adjust fares. To make boat fares affordable for passengers, the operators agreed to lower fares by between one and two baht, he said. Under the new fare structure, ticket prices for the yellow-flag and orange-flag boats will be cut by two baht, while the fares for ordinary shuttle boats will be reduced by one baht.

The yellow-flag boats now charge between 22 and 31 baht, while the orange-flag boats charge a flat rate of 17 baht, while ordinary shuttle boats charge between 11 and 15 baht. The fares have been used since June 25. Fares for shuttle boats on the Saen Saep canal run by Krobkrua Khonsong Co dropped from 12 to 22 baht to between 10 and 20 baht on Sept 12.

Songsak Thongsri, the caretaker deputy transport minister, said public bus fares would be lowered if diesel prices drop lower than 29 baht a litre. Mr Songsak said bus fares were regulated by a central land transport committee, and the committee considers adjustments when fuel prices are stable. Public bus operators were allowed to raise fares when the increase of fuel prices reached three baht. Santi Promphat, the transport minister, said procedures to adjust public bus fares are quite lengthy, and any adjustment must be based on prudent decisions which take into account the financial conditions of both bus operators and passengers.

[Wisarut]

New Sanesaeb Boat service from Wat Sri Bun Rueang to Minburi -
15 Piers 11 km - with BMA investment of 15 million Baht
Komchadluek - 31 October 2008

Governor Abhirak told the press that BMA is going to extend the Saen Saeb boat services
from Wat Sri Bun Rueang to Minburi with the investment on 15 New piers at the price of 15 million Baht
to allow Saen Saeb boat service to cover 5 more districts - Bang Kapi, Buang Kum, Kanna Yao,
Saphan Soong, and Minburi. This extension will become a reality in the first quarter of 2009 (aby 1 April 2009).

So far, the 15 piers is 60% done.

Mr. Jumphon Samphaophol (Director of BMA Traffic and Transport) siad that the Krob Kura Khonsong
(the concession holder of Saen Saeb boat services) siad they have no objection for the extension.
However, the passengers from Pratoonam and Minburi have to change the boats at Wat Sri Bun Rueang.

The list of 15 New Piers fromWat Sri Bun Rueang to Minburi can be listed as follows:


1. Phrommit Pier
2. Surau Islam Pier
3. Klong Rahat Pier
4. Mooban Rom Sai Pier (AKA ROm Sai Village)
5. Surau Daeng Pier
6. Chumchon Lohlae Yai Pier (AKA Lohlae Yai neighborhood)
7. Bang Chan Nuea-Tai Pier (AKA North-South Bang Chan)
8. Ramkhamhaeng 167 Pier
9. Wat Bumphen Nuea Pier
10. Ramkhamhaeng 199 Pier
11. Minburi Market Pier
12. Minburi District Office Pier
13. Eastern Kanchanaphisek Ring Pier -> with Park and Ride
14. Big C Minburi Pier -> Original Terminal -> with Park and Ride
15. Minburi Phatthana Road Pier -> New Terminal -> with Park and Ride

Note: Surau means small Masjid (Muslim Mosque) since there are many Muslim living along Saensaeb Canal ->
most of their ancestors are either Cham people (AKA Khmer Muslim) or Malayu. Minburi has sizable Muslim communities
(about 30%) while Nongchok is the ONLY district in BKK with Muslim majority (about 50%)

[Wisarut]

BMA Developemtn of Canal Boat services on 28 Canals
Thairath - 5 Nov 2008

Governor Abhirak siad he is goign to develop and revive the canal boat services onb 28 canals to function as a feeder to both BTSC and red Line commuter and MRTA subway which can be listed as follows:

1. Prem Prachakorn canal (reviving Bangsue - Donmuang)
2. Bang Khen canal
3. Lad Phrao Canal (reviving Saphan Mai - Klong Tan)
4. Bang Sue canal
5. Huay Kwang canal
6. Samsen canal (near Sukhothai Palace and Victory Monument)
7. Phadung Krung Kasem (otuer city moat -> Thewet - Hua Lamphong)
8. Mahanak canal (Upgraded Saensaeb boat service to allow through service to Phan Fah without changing the boats at Pratoo Nam)
9. Lum Phai canal
10. Klong Chan Canal
11. Klong Tan canal (revived service)
12. Phra Kanong canal (revived service)
13. Bang na canal (feeder for BTS)
14. Prawet canal (the sertvice to KMITL near SUvannabhum Airport)
15. Lad bua Khao canal
16. Song Canal (near Lad Krabang ICD)
17. Saen Saeb canal (Upgraded Saensaeb boat service to allow through service to Phan Fah without changing the boats at Pratoo Nam alogn with extension to Minburi)
18. Mahasawat canal
19. Bangkok Noy canal (the old course of chao Phraya to feed Thonburi station near Thonburi Loco Depot)
20. Chak Phra canal (near Talingchan District office)
21. Bangkok Yai canal
22. Phaseee Charoen canal (the historical canal)
23. Klong Dan Canal
24. Bang Khun Thian Canal
25. Dao Khanong canal (iupgraded to allow daily service - not just weekday rush hour service)
26. Bang Bon canal
27. Raj Montree canal
28. Sanam Chai Canal

First Phase (2009 - 2012) 62 km + 68 Piers:
1. Saen Saeb canal (Upgraded Saensaeb boat service to allow through service to Phan Fah without changing the boats at Pratoo Nam alogn with extension to Minburi)
2. Lad Phrao Canal (reviving Saphan Mai - Klong Tan)
3. Klong Tan canal (revived service)
4. Phra Kanong canal (revived service)
5. Phaseee Charoen canal (the historical canal)

Second Phase (2013 - 2016) 6 canals 140 km - 170 Piers
Third Phase (2017 - 2020) 9 canals 230 km 283 piers

The other 8 will be under survey

The Pilot projects on hte first phase will go to the following canals
1. Saen Saeb canal from Sri Bunrueang to Minburi in early 2009
2. Phetkasem 69 to Bang Wah (Phaseee Charoen canal)
3. Saphan Mai to Phra Khanong (revived serive along Lad Phrao Canal, Klong Tan canal, and Phra Kanong canal)

Praoonam Pier, Asok Pier and Phan Fah Pier will have to be upgraded as well.