BMTA Buses:DayTickets

[ncr]

Following the link to the very interesting left-side/right-side driving page (http://www.brianlucas.ca/roadside/), I came across another link to the diary of two American world travelers which has an excellent description of the Bangkok bus system with respect to the work of the fare collectors:

http://www.ericandjoan.com/worldtrip/thailand/thaichp12.htm

Anyone who isn't familiar with the BMTA buses, but would like to know more about them :p, should read this:

"The next day we tried out the Bangkok bus system. We had to go to the Philippine embassy to get a visa so we studied our map of bus routes. They have a pretty good system. Some routes are all air-con buses while others are all non air-con. It cost us eight Baht (about 20 cents) for an air-con bus, and about half of that for non- air-con. On the way to the embassy the bus was great. We didn't wait long, we got seats, it was cool and traffic was slow but steady.

To collect fares, a woman walks around with a metal cylinder about two feet long and three inches around. The cylinder is hinged so it splits in half the long way. Inside she keeps coins, cash and transfers. When you walk in the bus she finds you and you hear the jingle of change as she shakes it so it sounds a little like a maraca. Then when you pay your fare, she gives you a stamp-sized receipt, which she cuts halfway at several different angles, by placing half of it over the open cylinder, snapping the cylinder shut and then pulling at the exposed part of the receipt. She can make three or four slits in your receipt in about two seconds, making a marvelous rhythmic noise the whole time. You have to see it to understand. Her art is up there with Japanese Benihana chefs. The fare takers (all women) decorate their cylinders with stickers of pink hearts and things like that."

Now isn't that lovely???

Remark: no, not ALL of the fare collectors are female (the vast majority, though) ;)

[admin]

Yes, we've got to get a photo of that.

I have memories of a couple times when they dropped the cylinder, spraying coins all over the place... It was nice to see everyone helping the lady recollect the coins.

The most spectacular one was a green bus that was speeding by when the cylinder flew out the door, almost hitting me. It hit the sidewalk and coins exploded out in every direction. The bus stopped and all the passengers helped recover the money for the fare-taker...

[jpatokal]

And the same cylinders are used on the Chao Phraya & Saen Saep river boats as well. The Saen Saep guys (& girls) are particularly impressive, since they maneuver along one edge of the boat while the thing is blasting along the canal, splashing khlong water all over the place, rocking from side to side and going under bridges with ridiculously low clearance...! Driving a taxi in Bangkok is a pretty tough job but this is just something else :eek:

[Hitesh]

Weve all read the government's plan to integrate all of Bangkok's transportation systems where people will be able to use the same fare card on the BTS, bus etc...
Does this mean automatic fare collection will be in place on busses eventually or will card readers co-exist with the fare collectors?

[ncr]

Does anyone know the locations of all the BMTA depots?

Today's main page article about the 18 feeder lines for the subway mentioned four of them:

Sathupradit
Si Nakharin
Samrong
Sai Luad (where the heck is that???)

But I am pretty sure there are many more.....
How about Rangsit, for example?

[Wisarut]

Sadhupradit Depot -> Sadhupradit Ferry Pier to Lad Luang Pier in Pra PAdaeng - > the best place to view Rama 9 Bridge is when you ride Ferry.

Samrong Depot ... Some place before reachign Erawan Shrine

Sai Luad Depot is at the end of Sai Luad Road in downtown Samut Prakarn (Pak Nam)

Sri Nakharin Depot the depot not far from Seacon Square

Rangsit depot - teh depot not far from Rangsit Railway Station

[ncr]

Thanks, Khun Wisarut....

But my question actually was: aren't there more depots than these 4 (or 5) mentioned? And where?

[Wisarut]

Well, BMTA has arealy merged some depot with another to cut down teh operating cost. So far, Huay Kwang Depot (near BMTA HQ), and Bang Khen Depot (ion Pahholyothin Opposite to the 2nd Battalion, 1tth Infantry Regiment) are still in service. Same can said to Prapadaeng depot (near Phra padaeng ferry pier) to Poochao Samingphrai.

[The Enforcer!]

According to the BMTA english route maps the following depots are in operation:

Bang Khen
Khema
Klongtoei (H.O.)
Minburi
Pho Keaw
Prakasa
Phetngam
Rama 9
Sailuad
Sathu Pradit
Srinakarin

However, as Kh. Wisarut has pointed out some may be closed but not deleted from the route listing.

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Bang Khen is still there
Khema Depot is GONE
Minmuri - within Minburi Market in downtown Minburi
Klongtoei (H.O.)
Pho Kaew Depot is around Ekkamai - Ram Indra Road
Prakasa (Phraek Kasa) Depot - it is in Praek Ka Sa Road in Samut Prakarn (Near the Mouth of Chaophraya River)
Phetngam (Phet Ngam) - Gone for good
Rama 9 - near BMTA HQ and MRTA Subway Depot.
Sailuad - Sai Luad Road
Sathu Pradit - Sadhupradit Pier.
Srinakarin - Gone

[ncr]

That would make 11 then:

Bang Khen
Klongtoei
Minburi
Pho Kaew
Phraek Kasa
Phrapadaeng
Rama 9 (Huaykhwang)
Rangsit
Sai Luad
Samrong
Sathupradit

[The Enforcer!]

Dear Kh. Wisarut,

When you say Sathu Pradit pier, do you mean on Rama III end or is this the collection of buses under the Expressway at Central Rama III?

The Enforcer!

[pong]

hello to all, sawasdee, khrap, this now comes from NL=Holland, but I just registered as i found this site a few weks ago, but have no much time at the mo.
BMTA ITSELF=NOT the white private buses, has some 25 depots, as you likely know, they are numbered on the buses (nrs 1-8, several years ago it was 1-11), as DISTRICTS, and every district has usually 3 or 4 separate 'places were buses are parked at night''. I tried to compile a list too, and it would be handy to quote the distrcit nrs. with them.
f.e. distrcit 1= NORTH and has Rangsit/normal, RangsitAC and Bang Khen
2=Minburi, where there are 2 depots; at the market and on the main road, where the Ikarus 8000 buses are parked. there used to be one also for AC (routes 512 and 515) along the ramkamHaeng rd, but I cannot say if still in use. MInuburi also has Suan Siam (routes 60,96 etc.)
As I work from the library and have not so much time now (kow thod, khrap), I try to post more later when Ive looked at home for my notes.
In the meantime; a BIG THANKS to all, esp. Khun Wisarut, as Ive discovered what intrestets me, between all those other nice Thai things. I also saw meetings are planned. Before I visited the LOS 3 times/year during the euro school holidays, but recently I come for longer time in the coo season, nov/dec and then return in feb.
thats it for now, choke dee lae pop duay khan!

[pong]

district 3 has PNam, PNam (=sai Luad) and sam rong
distr. 4 has Klong Toey (1 of those where you can walk between the buses and wait for them, closeby to both tescoLotus and Carrefour for cheap&pretty good foodcentres., also a aprking space UNDER the expressway near the tescoLotus/Central on Ram III.
District 5=Thonburi south, and has PraPraDaeng, also Tung Kru (very big, south of PPdaeng, on the main road where 20 passes and 510 and 13x/exway ends), also Samae Than (very far west of the ring road, beyond yet aother TescoLotus, on the new highway toward mahaChai Muang mai, routes 68, all the white ord. Merc-Benz are parked there).
and the rest cmes later.
Khun Enforcer above: are you also interested in the BMTA buses? I tried to compile noted since some 10 years, when I visit BKK, but have never found someone also intrested. I guess I know the PJNese though, who does the bangkok-busmap site, as he also wrote books before and started with a stencilled busnotes thing for the JPNese bekpekkers in BanglamPhoo.
And some proposal: would it perhaps be posible to make a separate thread for the BMTA and its assorted buses, apart from this ''and others'' thing? Khrap Khun mahk duay, khrap!

[pong]

last time I was in BKK myself was in febr. this year and will not return till nov. coming (better wheather as rainy season).
I usually use the 7-day or 1-day buspasses when there, and I noted that in late febr. the RED=ord. buspasses were not sold anymore. I tried to ask the conductors (untill then OLD ones with year 2003 were still sold) if this was temporary or for good, but I got no staysfying answer then.
Could some one now in BKK tell me please? and if they are withdrawn, why is it? f.e. for poor students, who need to use 2 red buses to go school (and back ) their daily fare jumps from former just 10 to now 16=4x4 singles. For just the rise from 3,5 to 4 baht more as a few years have passed with all kind of discussions, and this seems to go without someone even noting.
Thanks for any suggestion.

[Wisarut]

Khun Pong,

Noiw, BMTA union has pressured BMTA to CEASE all teh BMTA pass since it HURT their interests so much that they no longer accept this:

Now theri hve issued discount coupons (4 Baht/6 Baht) which
many passengers HATE them since they have to go to the BMTA Depot to buy them.

[The Enforcer!]

Dear Khun Pong,

I have been interested in buses since I was knee-high!

In UK I was a series writer in the Buses magazine during my university days.

I still subscribe to the London Omnibus Traction Society (a london bus enthuiast group with 5,000+ members!).

BMTA buses interest me but I seldom use them as their routes are rarely going where I want!

The Enforcer!

[pong]

thank you very much for this answer, khun Wisarut.
Koh, chuay noi: can you explain for me how the new system works: is it like 4 baht for red bus and 6 baht coupons (I know the word is the same in thai, I collect them from TescoLotus) for the AC-prab akaht buses? or is it different? then I know of it and come prepared when I shall return to KrunghThep!

[pong]

sprry, could not find the time earlier to respond, interesting to see that many trade jouranlists visit this board: Mr. Zimmermann of germany publishes in respected journals Like der Stadtverkehr. I subscribed some years to uses (when it had the medium format) so must have read something of you (then the price went up and the pound too and IanAllan made it kind of challenge to even pay without a credit card, so I skipped). I myself am just an amatuer and try to update the BMTA/BKK scene every year for the magazine Buses Worldwide, though it often lapses to ev. 2 yrs, coveniently the BMTA also seems to change busy years with very quiet, makin this easier.
further to the depot lists:
2. has also Sri nakarin, which is in fact situated about 1 km east of that road, along soi 103=Udomsuk and houses 11,206.
3.I mentioned PNam twice, as there are 2 depots there, 1 houses all 52 white artic Mc_Bz 9000 series, used on 145 and 511.
further to above:
6=Thonburi north, has
Wat Muang, along Phetkasem Rd, just west of the Ring Road, beyongd the mall bang Khae, route 101 and 509 ends and you may board buses IN the depot.
Sai 2 (I dont knwo the real Thai name) which is close by, east of sai 2 (yes, 2nd road, due west of the ring road), where 79 and 7koh ends (since they extend the 79 last year you have to change buses for the last end/then turns at wat Muang!
there MAY also be an outstation for this district at the far west end of the 84 (the very busy and freqeunt ord. shuttle toward Om Noi/Yai), in nakorn pathom province, still along the Phetkasem rd, but Ive never been so far in dark (this route seems to atract the student brawls and fighting in evenings).
district 7+old Nonthaburi, of which Kema was just cleaned out late febr. Just across the road is the now private nr 634 (Sphuna Yan Yondr Tour), which has 48 refurbished ex DaeWOO buses of the 70.000 series, renumbered to match fleet&registration. the 64 got a new branch along the brandnew KanchanaPisek road in west Thonburi and is now a kind of circle.
7 also has:
Bang Bua Tong, along Sai Noi Road, route 134 and 516 ends, all isuzu, again you can board buses INside, very far though and no farang ever seems to venture there
PrachaCHuen, along that road, just south of the souther railway, route 16 ends, and 65/66/67/70 often change over, with passenger need to transfer.
I think sicne Khema ended, the very busy 203 now parks at OToKO-3 market, norht of Nonthaburi, and souht of rattanatibet
Tha It is along the outer end of the 18, west of the Chao Praya.
the rst will follow (nr 8 plus some more corrections)
Also Pho Khaew is a fairly new big depot, in the wilds west of the Sukaphiban 1 road, north of bangkapi, 73koh end another route ends (22?), has a load of 80.000 red Mitsubishis. again some place were they look bewildered at any farang passing by, youre usually kipped out of any bus going there at the main road, but you may stay on, its a official route!

[ncr]

By the way, a photo (and description in Japanese language) of the cylinder is here:

http://www.bangkok-busmap.com/citybus/ticket.htm

:D

[Pas]

There's another one in Bangkapi as well isn't there? off Sukhapiban Rd, near NIDA and those NHA housing complex. Those are the big blue buses.
Is the Huay Kwang terminus still open? It's off Prachasongkro Rd right?

[Ganyc]

Hi, Bangkok,

What bus goes to opposite All Seasons Place from Lumphini Tower ?

When and where can I meet www.2Bangkok.com member living/working in Bangkok city ?

[Nekochan]

I think it is Red # 14 (Green Mini Bues). There may be more routes but I cannot remember. To be sure, you can get on any bus (any I hope) at the bus stop in front of Chula Hospital (opposite to King Rama 6 statue)

If you have the latest Mapmagic 2004 (Thai/English), you can check all routes

Want to meet 2bangkok members, perhaps ..... next meeting.

I may not be available.

[pong]

Finally, BKK again is approaching for me (a few weeks from now, sadly after Loy Kratong). Ive read that the former daily/weekly/monthly passes (a week for 50 baht-red bus: cheaper as just a single here in NL for citybus!) have ceased and replaced by coupons (I know the thai word is the same: Ive collected them at tescolotus) and must be purchased at the bus-garages (well, Klong Toey is good enough for me: opposite both tesco and Carrefour!), so can anyone explain me how these work, please? So I am prepared when I arrive in CityOfAngels again!

[ncr]

Today the fare collector on non-aircon bus 23 was talking on his mobile while working. You should have seen that, walking through the bus, selling tickets, the phone squeezed between his head and shoulder, all this while the vehicle was moving........

[pong]

meantime Ive found the answer< so to inform you:
packs of 25 coupons to the value of 4 and 6 baht are sold at 10% discount (thus 90/135 bt). at bus garages and at some other busy points, the infopost at anusawaree/Victory Monument is for most people probaly easy. opens 7.00-19.00, daily.
One may combine these to pay for higher AC-bus fares: thus the 12 bt fare may be done with 3x4 or 2x6. it remains a 10% discount.
the announcement says there are also packs for value of 8/10/12/14/16/18/20 baht, but they do not seem to be sold. anyway, the 4 bt pack covers 5 max.fare 20 bt. AC-bus rides.
for to use the expressway, nightbus or the very few BMTAwhite buses, one has to pay with coins (ngeun sot) the suppl. of 2/1,5/1 bt, and one gets a very rare ticket for that extra!

[pong]

do these still exist? I think theyve been withdrawn, but then: from when?
I know it was only a few routes (passing Siam/MaBoonKrong) and only for a few hours on a few days at the end of the month anyway.

[pong]

Perhaps here someone knows or has a clue: from my own viewpoint it always seems the BMTA-bus system resembles very much the set up of the former LT=London Transport (before privatisation), even including the 'roundel' = symbol of bar and circle. I know the erstwhile lT had a big dept. for consultation to what was called 3d world countries then. Si were they involved for consultation or whatever then?

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by pong
Perhaps here someone knows or has a clue: from my own viewpoint it always seems the BMTA-bus system resembles very much the set up of the former LT=London Transport (before privatisation), even including the 'roundel' = symbol of bar and circle. I know the erstwhile lT had a big dept. for consultation to what was called 3d world countries then. Si were they involved for consultation or whatever then?

Let's see ...

1) The buses are badly maintained

2) They run at a huge loss

3) The stops have no timetables

4) They seldom travel as far as their destination board

5) There is no valid pass system


Sorry, ..even London Transport isn't that bad!

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

I just saw one in front of Soi Sukhumvit 105.

All female passengers!! not crowed .... female fare collectors but male driver.

They are not many of them now, I think.

[jerryfin]

Some BMTA regular routes have lady bus drivers. They drive both red and orange buses and all that I have travelled with, are good drivers. They are forceful where needed but not aggressive and most importantly, don't pump the accelerator, brake at a constant rate, stop with the door close to the person getting on, select the right gear and take their foot off the accelerator while changing up a gear.

[pong]

hello/wasdee, jerry, but I intended what i described, and is also to be seen on the official bmta.co.th website; on SOME routes on SOME days the BMTA runs special LADIES Only buses, clearly labelled as such (and indeed often wit lady drivers and always a lady conductor). This was established about 2 yrs ago, not as much due to male-worse-behaving , but due to complaints about pockets being picketed, esp end of month/salarypaydays
the overcrowded Tokyo (and also Cairo) metro=subway systems have permamently last/first cars set apart for ladies. I made a stop in dubai last jan and there the buses the the front part (ALL citybuses) reserved for ladies: so that all men must pass thorugh.....

[GWR]

An article in yesterday's Sunday Times about Lord Birt's 2001 Transport Report to the Blair Government cited University of Leeds research that challenged accepted 'bus' wisdom.

It seems that some urban bus passengers may generate twice as much pollution per head as car users.

That said, increased bus useage is surely justified on the grounds of reduced (or 'held in check') traffic congestion. And I suspect this comparison might not be quite so favorable to car use in Bangkok, where car exhaust emissions are not well-enforced; although this supposes the use of less-polluting buses than those currently in operation. :(

[pong]

Apparently from 1/9 [Now a day or 2 ago] or maybe from other dates, new busroutes have been opened:
.189. runs Sanam Luang-PATA-ThaPra-Phetkasem road, till sai 4, then (unknown, maybe via the new just opened road) to KRATUM BAEN, which is well outside the BMA-area. This must be 1 of BMTA's longest buslines and thus very good value at 6 baht.
it is run by the BMTA itself, uses old red buses, Isuzu of the 50.000 series from Wat Muang depot, and most of these seem to be taken of f of the 80KOH (which also seems to have gotten a new terminus in outer Thonburi). I used it (purely by incident) yesterday toward BangKhae and it ran about ev. 20 mins, many buses were well filled (the last few years there was NO red bus at all ghoing all this way anymore, only white 157/169). A ticket inspector boarded and also seemed unaware of this new line, asking all about it. Apparently, the green minibuses, which were still frequent on the 80, have been withdrawn.
I saw a bus marked 187 (also normal, no AC, private=rot ruam, white, looked like a rebuilt old MicroBus) on Phayathay road, running south from the Vict. Monument toward MaBoonKrong. Have not found time yet to look further after it.
Does anyone knows/has read about other routes like 186/188 that seems plausible?

[pong]

Having just returned to Bkk since last week and riding the buses again, I noted the many stickers promoting these, with prize money worth over 1,8 and even 4 lahn baht (=million).
Now, does anyone knows the facts about these? can I vote for my favorite Busticketlady? Or will there be a miss-sadaeng with all the busticketladies? And what about the other award? It seems to run for the month of september.

[pong]

well, forum readers are apparently not to keen on the red buses, but now i am in China and enjoy free web-use in the guesthouse:
route 187 runs Klong 3[Rangsit]-Rangsit/Future-DonMuang-Laksi-(I guess as the 59 via Sena)-CentranLardPrao-Vict.Mon-Sri Praya.
It as rot ruam, white buses, FAN, and indeed look like the old long (10 mr) microbuses done away with by the BMC. All are neatly rebuilt, there are some 40 for this route.
But again: has anyone noted routes 186/188??

[pong]

also uses the TOLLway between Laksi/shopcentre and the DinDaeng road, just like the 538 air.
also new is variation route 29 KOH, with red ISuzu buses from nag Khen depot: is like a shorter 29, running U(=depot) bang Khen-Vipavadeerangsit rd-then as 29 to Vict.Mon-HuaLamPong

[pong]

and have to correct further:
the 187 also has normal road both and tollway service. It is a HIGHER fare beyond Rangsit/Future (10 bt all the way), and follows the 523 route along Klong 3, where a giant nr of new (empty) houses/mu ban are appearing. There is a lower 5 bt (patum thani local) fare a the end beyond Future, and here its full&standing!
it is run by Union Bus Service=SK TOur, and the buses ra emost likely rebuiklt/downgraded to fan the ex AC SK-Tour buses, ex Micro, from the 504/538 etc.
there is also the 188, same comp, same buses, from MOCHIT2, via LardPrao-Sapan Mai, then as 538 to Tekhnoloyee Rangsit/King Mongkut
the 189 charges just 6 baht all the way and does use the brandnew road between sai 4 and the Krat Bean-Mahachai road (of course No busstops or whatsoever provided by the BMA here). It suffers that old plague: many short workings, to Bang Khae or the Tapra intersection.

[ncr]

From the Nation.

Well, let's wait and see (or forget?).....

Long time ago there was also mention of a plan to terminate all BMTA-run non-aircon (=red) buses by the end of 2005 (or was it 2004???) - anyone know whatever happened to that?

Substandard green buses face axe

Published on Nov 9, 2005

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will remove all substandard green minibuses from the public transport system within six months, BMTA acting director Opas Petchmunee said yesterday. As part of the government’s policy to restructure the public transport system, the BMTA plans to weed-out all privately operated green minibuses which are deemed to be “below-standard” by May next year. Opas added that the buses currently service the same routes as BMTA buses and most were not in a fit condition to operate. [talk about stating the obvious!]

The BMTA and the Land Transport Department will inspect all of the buses and if they are found to be sub-standard, their services will be suspended until the operators can find vehicles in road-worthy condition, Opas said.

He added that to prevent any inconvenience to commuters, more BMTA buses and NGV-fuelled minivans would be made available. Opas also said that the BMTA planned to develop the thousands of minivans already running both legally and illegally on the existing 110 routes, to provide a feeder network servicing smaller sois and estates. The minivans would create more efficient links to the rest of the transport system and transfer commuters to the Skytrain and subway network. The BMTA said it would also force minivan operators to shift to NGV-fuelled vehicles by 2008 by refusing to renew their licences unless they made the change, Opas said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Chaiyanant Charoensiri said that he and Opas would meet today to discuss the details of the public transport concession contracts for private buses and minivans, and find solutions for drivers who are currently providing below standard services. Chaiyanant also outlined the new standards, which will require all buses to pass inspections to ensure their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition and their safety systems are of the highest standards. “If the minibuses cannot meet these standards, I’ll have them pick up and deliver passengers in small sois and won’t allow them to run on main roads,” he said. [great solution :rolleyes: ]

[ncr]

BTW, "substandard green bus" is a perfect example for a pleonasm... :D

[Yappofloyd]

BTW, "substandard green bus" is a perfect example for a pleonasm... :D

When thinking of substandard think green bus!
As I and others have said on other threads these green buses are generally driven by mad drivers ignoring basic safety who hang out for prolonged periods in bus stops, delaying others buses, waiting for passengers who are generally treated like sheep as they are jammed into the bus which is full of very uncomfortable seats! The buses are usually polluting and many appear as thought they are very unsafe.

Usual skimming quality and service and max profit mentality.

The sooner BMTA bans them the better for all concerned!

[pong]

my first visit to this city of Angels (BKK< again whrer I am now) was 1987, and then they were just introduced as yet another ''measure to curb congestion'' (like the articulated MercBenz/Ikarus also where some years later.....). Just see their nr-plates; 10-6/7xxx: they are easy to detect.
Since those years about half have already been crashed/moved away. Many routes that had loads of them are now bigbus only. In the NIGHTtime they do a pretty good service, as bigbuses would be, well toobig for that time.
Also dont forget there are also 100s of RED minibuses, plying on sidesois and lesser roads, mainly farout in suburbia. Many of the disappeared green ones have gone to there and are now trundling along sois at low speeds.
The BMTA also must recoignise that there is in BKK a substantial need for lowerpriced transport even lower as the AC buses can provide. Just think of a family having 2 kids at matayom and need to get there by bus: thats already now 24/28 bt/day! Thats where the white rot ruam come in, and the red buses. Actually; the BMTA itself is converting many red buses into WHITE: rehabilitating them, putting fans in, etc, and now they charge the 7 bt. fare.
Hut thats in faraway Thonburi, oike on route 111, 21, 75 etc.
Also; the day (loi Kratong, 16/11) when the green mini's had to go to the tests: the day after on the nr 6 (BanglamPhu-PraPraDaeng) which had loads of green mini's suddenyl they all disappeared (and just a very few have reappeared), and the BMTA had to step in, with RED big buses, drawn from the 82, to clear the crowds........

[The Enforcer!]

From today's BP .... http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jan2006_news01.php.

The diagram is one of the BP's worst ever ... anyone got a better view of the proposed three bus zones.

This scheme reminds me of the 1970's splitting of Green Line routes in London.

[For those unaware, Green Line were limited stop buses/coaches from edges of Outer London through the Centre back out to the adjacent edge! Routes like Woking to Stevenage, Guildford to Herford, Ascot to Dartford were common back in 1930s London! After traffic in town got impossible for routes to keep within hours of timetable, they were all split ... Woking to Stevenage, for example, became Woking to Oxford Circus, and Stevenage to Oxford Circus].

Hope BMTA have better luck than Green Line.

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

From today's BP .... http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jan2006_news01.php.

The diagram is one of the BP's worst ever ... anyone got a better view of the proposed three bus zones.So they have revamped their website, but the links are still broken....... :rolleyes: ....thus we cannot see the diagram you are talking about.

[The Enforcer!]

So they have revamped their website, but the links are still broken....... :rolleyes: ....thus we cannot see the diagram you are talking about.
Sounds like BP all over - does the BMTA have anything?

The Enforcer!

[admin]

here is the graphic in question:
http://www.2bangkok.com/06/busroutes-BKKPost.gif

[ncr]

here is the graphic in question:
http://www.2bangkok.com/06/busroutes-BKKPost.gifOh my dear! That's indeed awful. If the system is going to be as bad..... :eek: What the heck are the thin dashed lines anyway?

By the way, "each loop will cover a distance of 20km" - bullshit, how can three concentric circles with increasing diameters (as an abstracted model) each have the same circumference??? Journalists at work.....

[Wisarut]

Another sign of Journalism by Lazy BUMMERS ... Drive A: Jouirnalists who just copy the words verbatim without aming ANY analysis on the news they got ... :mad:

[The Enforcer!]

here is the graphic in question:
http://www.2bangkok.com/06/busroutes-BKKPost.gif
Thanks.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Looking at the Map ....

The 'Outer Limits' (25km?) are easily defined as:

Bangbuathong
Om Yai
Samut Sakorn
Paknam
Samrong
Suvarnabhumi
Minburi
Rangsit
Pakkret

The 'Middle Limits' (15km) are nearly all defined ....

N1 Bangkhen
N4 {}
N6 Bangna
N7 Keha Rama 2
N11 Bangkhae
N8 Boromratchonnannee
N12 Rama 5

The 'Inner Limits' (5km) are clear ...

N10 Sanam Luang
N9 Wong Wian Yai
N5 Klong Toei
N3 Victory Monument
N2 Morchit 2

Now we get fun and games ....

a) How can be 'Silom' be outside of a zone between Klong Toei and Wong Wian Yai?

b) How can Hualamphong be between Sanam Luang and Morchit 2?


Anyone?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

N4 -> it must be unmistakebly "Happyland market" (now opposite to The Mall bang Kapi - the truehub for thsoe who live in bang kapi area)

Well, Hua Lamphong is indeedd betwene Mochit 2 and Sanam Luang - for thse who ride bus No.29 and then change the bus to No. 507

It think it must be Bangkokpost's Graphic Editor's mistake or the space constrains to make Silom outside the ring.

[pong]

ropose this thread not so much for questions/discussions, but for mentioning any news (mainly newspapers, but anything welcome) of how BKK's citybuses, the BMTA, plans to make some giant new changes, this year or later.
From what I have gathered as a start:
1.Advertising for offers to build 4000 new AC-buses (bmta website)
2.restructuring of routenetwork, much less and SHORTER routes, with some interchange needed and made possible at designated points.
3.Apparently the new buses will by OPO=1 person (=no khon khep tang=conductor), reading between the lines of staff wanted in the BKKpost. A basic flat fare of either 10 or 12 baht is mentioned.
4.(Bkkpost, cyberdata) an order for 2000 electronic paying points seems to have been set, or nearly set. This would of course be sensible re nr3. Main problem was quoted as struggle about whop gets what from lost/outdated etc. cards.........
5.the old buses (nearly 4000 too, but that includes both some 1600 old red hot buses and also the rather new 1300 orange EURO2 AC-buses, fully fit for the plans...) will be sold to staff at a discount to help them start up their own business. This would confirm the idea of getting OPO.
If anyone knows/learns of more, please post!

[pong]

Permission was granted and money put aside to buy actually just 2000 new buses for the BMTA, all on NGV-fuel and with GPS (global positioning).
This may mean the not-yet-so-old orange EURO2 AC-buses will remain with the BMTA (total nr about 1800)

[gwmss15]

Ok yet another poll

How many different bus routes have you used in bangkok/nonthaburi/sumut prakarn (paknam) /patum thani (rangsit) areas

Used means: Have been on any section of the route. Must be at least 1 bus stop distance.

Does not have to be the whole route from end to end

So lets see how many routes people come up with

[jpatokal]

Err... how many bus routes are there on Phayonyothin? :confused: I took buses two stops north of BTS Ari every day for half a year and I never even bothered to look at the numbers, because they all went the same way and (at the time) cost 5 baht or less...

[gwmss15]

may i ask what do you do at ari every day if you work for one of the banks id love to know how you got the job

[von Hirschhorn]

Of all weird habits people do have :rolleyes: mine is a refined system - TRS - for registration (listing on Excel file) of all sorts of movements made with public transportation like train, tram, metro, funicular, bus, plane, boot and taxi (from luxury limousine till simple (motor) bicycle). Started in 1979 (by then with trains only) it becomes a bulk of information and easy to extract specific info i.e. bus rides in Bangkok.
65 different routes I have done so far – since 1985 - and many of them several times. I’ll list them here only by route number.

BMTA
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 23. 25. 28. 29. 30. 34. 35. 36. 40. 43. 45. 48. 49. 50. 53. 57. 60. 61. 64. 65. 68. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 81. 93. 96. 103. 109. 115. 121. 124. 134. 149. 206. 510. 511. 730

Micro bus
12.

SKTC
30

BTS-shuttle
Surasak – Wong Wian Yai
Mo Chit

Airport bus
A1. A2.

?
1272.

[jpatokal]

may i ask what do you do at ari every day if you work for one of the banks id love to know how you got the job
I don't live there anymore and haven't in a while... but I used to because a major (non-bank) customer's office was nearby.

[ncr]

I took buses two stops north of BTS Ari every day for half a year and I never even bothered to look at the numbers, because they all went the same way and (at the time) cost 5 baht or less...Hehe... And I take a bus 3 stops along New Phetburi every day and never even bother to look at the number. Well, there are 10 different ones I can take: 11, 23, 38, 58, 60, 72, 93, 99, 113 and 206. Sometimes there's also number 512 (a rare species: white, a/c, articulated bus).

Alas, 5 Baht doesn't buy you a ride anymore, no matter what colour the vehicle. (I still distantly remember the glorious times when the red buses cost 3.50 Baht.....)

As for the original question.... phew, my name is not von Hirschhorn, how to remember all the bus lines one has used over the years? My guess would be around 30? At least.

[dick]

Von Hirschhorn, wow, hope you will write an interesting Bangkokbus article:)
I start with the Bangkok buses in november 1973 with line 65 and 64 (an old white one). Later, with the children, we made many line 12 trips to Ding Daeng. My last trip was the 123 from end to begin I've had around 30 lines, some the whole route (58 in 1981); 50 and 108 in december 1981. Now I'm back in Holland where I take the Amsterdam buses, also great FUN.
During my bustrips I only saw a few bus depots. Where are they? How many Bangkok busdepots we can find?

[ncr]

During my bustrips I only saw a few bus depots. Where are they? How many Bangkok busdepots we can find?Dick, we have already talked about bus depots in this (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=213) thread a long time ago. Though we couldn't come up with a complete list back then, you might find the information quite useful.

And here (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=102) is an older discussion on bus fares, BTW. So will the red buses be phased out (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=402&postcount=3) now, or not? It's been more than 2 years since the announcement. But I guess it was only hot air (quite literally ;) )....

[dick]

Your'e right, almost forgotten. Thanks for attention. In 1981 I've made foto's on Kasem Ratroad in Klong Toey. Also I see on a foto I have here a kind of depot at the end of line 50 and 108 at Ch. Sanitwongroad close to Phra Rambridge (Electr. Centrale). Further I made foto's at Phetkasemroad on 28-12-1981.

[von Hirschhorn]

…. Von Hirschhorn, wow, I hope you will write an interesting Bangkok bus article! ….

Well, I don’t know, the fun is being there, felt yourself lost in an almost impossible to understand network immediately. The poetry of rolling through congested streets and yes Nils, the old 3,50 baht non air transportation, sweating at the open window despite the wind of moving, hot air indeed. Only in April refreshment in form of a bucket water during Songkhran. To protect myself more or less in those days better seated on the street side. Krung Thep can be bad and busy only during Songkhran a heaven of tranquility, splendid days to discover the lines unless you hate water.
Today most buses are closed, rolling refrigerators and the passenger deprived from fumes and other odours of the city, still an excellent mode of transport for sightseeing and others alike.

[ncr]

I start with the Bangkok buses in november 1973 with line 65 and 64 (an old white one).What did a bus ride cost in those times? 50 satang? :confused:

[The Enforcer!]

Sadly ...zero.

Yesterday I had to go from Suan Phlu to Sala Daenhg and my taxi followed the red lorry-bus-thingey.

If I had used that what was the fare?

The Enforcer!

[dick]

What did a bus ride cost in those times? 50 satang? :confused:
Sorry Nils, I really don't remember. I hope I can find it in my old Ticket collection. I let you know.
Forget to inform, I travelled with almost 30 different (city)buslines in Bangkok.

[gwmss15]

there is a BMTA depot on prachrun road in taopoon (route 66,70,67)

also there is a private white bus depot in nonthaburi near rama 5 bridge this for route 64 only

Mochit 2 has a BMTA depot at the back

[Wisarut]

Khun gwmss15,

That's a BMTA bus depot at Samakki Road ( a short cut between Prachachuen and Tiwanon) .... a way to Bangkok International School ....
very closed to my home ....

However, BMTA Bus No. 67 stops in frotn of Wat Samian Naree .... :)

[ncr]

As featured frontpage:

BMTA to decommission all non-air-conditioned buses (http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30010449), The Nation, 05 August 2006

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will stop providing non-air-conditioned bus services in seven to eight months, caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Saturday.

Thaksin said he had ordered the BMTA to stop using diesel buses but turn to use buses powered by natural gas for vehicle (NGV). The use of NGV buses would allow the BMTA to save money enough to buy new air-conditioned buses in instalments.

As a result, he asked the BMTA to turn all buses into NGV air-conditioned buses in seven or six months. Thaksin said the money saved from the cost of diesel oil would also allow the BMTA to manage bus fares to not affect passengers. "So, passengers can travel comfortably by paying minimum cost," Thaksin said.

The Nation

***

Question: who is Thaksin to tell the BMTA what to do? Aren't they under the supervision of the BMA, or am I terribly wrong?

Sadly, just sounds like yet more populistic propaganda in the run-up to the elections.

For my part, I wouldn't bet a single salueng on this. "In six to seven to eight months" - yeah, right. Whose leg are you pulling?

Reminder: "Hot Buses Out" was the title of a Bangkok Post article from early 2005 announcing that the BMTA would retire all red buses by the end of the year. (Not sure whether I posted that article here back then, but anyway, cannot find it anymore.) And you all know what happened (or did not happen).

[ncr]

Reminder: "Hot Buses Out" was the title of a Bangkok Post article from early 2005 announcing that the BMTA would retire all red buses by the end of the year. (Not sure whether I posted that article here back then, but anyway, cannot find it anymore.) And you all know what happened (or did not happen).Found it here (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=402&postcount=3). And it was 2004! :mad:

[von Hirschhorn]

It seems if we run out of time to solve a question raised in the thread: http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1745
Therein I suggest to crawl under it in order to bring some hidden data to daylight.
While this is certain not the most clean manner and quite dangerous if you do it while the vehicle is waiting in a row for a traffic light – despite the city of Angels famous gridlocks - I am fully understand why this pedestrian enterprise until now is without any results.
Lets hope indeed the whole is rhetoric boasting in the limelight of election and we can enjoy a nice but hot ride in a non air-conditioned bus long after.
Sometimes a ‘rolling refrigerator’ is preferable, but squeezed in a box like a dog and no way to move your tail, it’s better to sit near the open window of an ordinary bus and be a hot dog. :D

[pong]

In some article on the new airportexpress/BMTA routes (forgotten where) it was stated that BMTA would re-start to offer monthly tickets, but at a wopping 1700 bt/month. Besides aiding airportworkers, they would be on sale for anyone and just like before also be valid on the normal non-airprt BMTA OWN routes (=NOT rot ruam), both Air and red/normal.
Asked about it yesterday at the Victory Mon. info-post, whre no-one knew. They still sell the slightly discounted coupons (but not for 35 bt, but apparent one may combine lower values).
Has anyone has any news/more info re this? A monthly would be quite costly, but if they would also do the weekly or even daily again, like before, it would be the odd week of ''using it out''
Somewhere else it was also stated in that 4000 new busesplan that a flat fare and seasons would be introduced.

[pong]

have found the answer.... myself, the same day i posted.
Went to Korea, thus back to Suvannapoom that evening. The MONTHLY tickets are for sell at the infodesk in Suvpoom-bus station @ 1.700 baht, and mainly aim airport-workers, but they should be available at ANY BMTA-owned bus (with green stripe, both the orange, red, and some of the cream+blue old AC buses). Guess that these, due to price, only attract airportworkers who hve to use the 35 bt buses daily, and that they wll be widely unknown to other bus-staff. ONLY by the calender month! no weekly, daily or whatever.

[pong]

Update nov. 2006
NO news at all! Nothing new here in BKK on the BMTA, as far as fleet goes.Nor any sign on route/network reorganisation etc.

[The Enforcer!]

You sound surprised.

The Enforcer!

[pong]

and now I have one, for tanwakhom 2449= dec. 2006. Series nr 1, card nr 15x, thus not many have been sold. Utter surprise by most conductors when I show mine. Only saw others use it on the airportlinks 55x. Also show both the BMTA and the AOT logo, but valid on ALL BMTA itself operated (thus not the rot ruam private services), red normal, orange + some of the cream+blue AC buses (these have a green band below the windows).

[pong]

No, not that much.
But yesterday I glanced through the Thai-language Busandtrucks. magazien (a monthly for the ''trade"") and it had big news about plans to rebuild the ''rot ruam''=private busfleet (mainly the white buses) to NGV. which in fact has started on several routes , loike the 6,9, and some of the exBMTA/6000 series AirCon Mercbenz like on the 177 and more.
Also big frontpage news was an order of either 300 or 370 Chinese built NGV Air Buses for the BMTA, much looking like the white airportshuttles (Shen Long) but for right-hand drive! As my Thai friend was not at hand, and not willing to purchase, no easy translation though.

[GWR]

Bus drivers face sack for crashes
City bus drivers involved in any accident at all will be fired, their employer announced yesterday.

Published on July 18, 2007

A Bangkok Mass Transit Authority official said the move was part of get-tough measures to slash the number of public transport accidents.

"This measure is in response to our policy to prevent accidents caused by bus drivers," the spokesman said.

Drivers of buses operating on authority concessions were included in the order.

"And concessionaires face Bt50,000 fines if they employ drivers with an accident on their record," the spokesman warned.

The authority said there were 356 accidents involving its buses and those of concession holders from October 2005 to August 2006. Some 41 people were killed and 535 injured.

Between October 2006 and June another 31 were killed and 461 injured in 271 accidents.

Yesterday morning a minibus-concession driver said brake problems caused an eight-vehicle pile-up in central Bangkok. Six people were hurt, two seriously.

"I swerved the bus into the left lane to prevent more injuries," driver Komsan Sadaengrit, 27, said. "Had I turned right, the bus would have crossed the safety island and hit oncoming vehicles."

Komsan works for his mother-in-law and checks his minibus every morning. "It was the second trip of the day, not the first," he said.

He assisted accident victim Udomchoke Tanyavejkij, 50, to a nearby hospital after the minibus collided with the motorcyclist. Udomchoke had suffered serious injuries.

The other victim in a serious condition was Jengleng sae Sow, 58, a taxi passenger. That vehicle was badly damaged.

Taxi driver Krittawat Trairong, 41, said he was taking Jengleng for a follow-up exam after a neck operation.


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/18/national/national_30041307.php

Related thread:

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2547

[mdechgan]

First of all these "uneducated and low class people (benz brat)" Well to be honest they drive very big vehicles which are in bad shape. They don't really care if they get in an accident or not because they don't drive their own vehicles. I've seen so many times how they drive on the fast lane and just swerve left over 2-3 lanes just to stop at the bus stop. Sometimes they don't even stop at the last lane, they just let people off at the 2nd lane while cars behind the buses screach their brakes.

[pong]

Hello+sawasdee all, now back in BKk since 1 week (of to China for a visit next week). When coming into town from airport I noted the new buses, bright yellow, all-aircon, Chinese make, same as shuttles at airport, King Long, on private routes 8 and 542.
the 8 runs Sapan Phut-Vict.Monument-Lard prao-Bangkapi/Happyland, but the new AC run on to KeHa RomKlao. 8 only had white fan buses hitherto.
542 is a circular/triangle route SaiThai/Sai 2-BangKhaek-Chinatown-Vict.Monum.-Central pinklao (and mostly on to terminal as start), a fairly new route, using renovated old 6100 series BTA Merc-Benz air buses).
BKKpost told that DiStar a local former TV factory in Rayong, assembles them. Any more sightings?
Also noted all white same-type buses, unmarked, excpt for METROBUS, at some points, apparently on delivery-run. Are these the ones for the new Rapid Transit routes?

[GWR]

BMTA
Cabinet to consider lay-off plan
Ministry proposes cutting 6,000 staff
Published on November 19, 2007


The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) would need to lay off one-third of staff - about 6,000 people - according to a restructuring proposal.

Director Pinate Puapatankul said the proposal to reduce staff was recommended by the Finance Ministry, and it would be discussed by the Cabinet this week. The ministry said the BMTA was overstaffed.

Staff will be offered early retirement, which will cost the government Bt3.5 billion. It currently employs 18,700 people. Forty per cent of those are conductors. That works out at 5.2 staff per bus, higher than the international standard of 3.5.

The restructuring was deemed necessary given that the state enterprise, which is in charge of providing public buses in the Greater Bangkok, has run losses of about Bt5 billion a year.

It operates a total of 16,000 buses along 445 routes. Last year, it carried 1.7 million passengers a day, down considerably from 1992, when the average daily passenger figure was more than 4 million.

The finance ministry proposed restructuring the authority last year, in order to resolve its serious financial problems. The ministry also suggested that the authority reroute some buses.

Pinate said staff and unions had been informed of the proposal. Most staff to be laid off are conductors and clerical workers. They will receive the legal maximum compensation and an additional eight months' salary. Each retiree will get about Bt1 million.

Another 1,000 will be retrained to work in other areas.

"We don't think we will face any resistance, because most of the staff who will join the programme are old, and the authority is paying high compensation.

"Early-retirement programmes normally take about five years, but ours will be shorter," he said. The BMTA will do away with conductors when it introduces electronic ticketing.

It costs the authority Bt11,000 a day to run and maintain an air-conditioned bus and Bt9,200 a day for a non air-conditioned bus. It will convert all buses to natural gas and introduce a GPS satellite system and renegotiate concessions with private operators to repay debt and interest of about Bt50 billion. Pinate said the restructuring plan will require endorsement by both the Cabinet and the National Economic and Social Development Board.

Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/19/business/business_30056569.php

[mdechgan]

Removing pursers and conductors from some buses from some buses might be a bad idea. Some bus drivers need all the help they can get especially during the afternoons, infront of some schools, and late at night. Sometimes its nice to have the extra protection and security.

[pong]

This does not seem to be a lucky subject - I've tried to post it before, but the system would not take it. so try again.
When I came back into BKK early nov. I saw new, yellow GOlden Dragon/King Long Chinese citybuses on routes 8, 542, and since also on 539 (same comp. as 542). All these routes serve the Vict.Monument and all are ''rot ruam''=privately run. Hitherto route 8 had about the oldest buses seen (Sapan Phut-Chinatown-Vict.Monum-Lard Prao-Happyland, the new AC are extended to KeHa RomKlao.). The buses appear to be the same as the airport shuttles, but with different inner lay out for seats etc.
Has anyone seen more or on other routes?

[gwmss15]

Today I saw a Brand new White AC bus white an red "route 82" sign on the side. This was ripping down Rama 2 road out near the ring road running fast and empty heading to bangkok.

A few weeks before that i saw a guy driving what looked like a "low floor" bus framework i.e. it was just a frame with engine again on rama 2 heading to bangkok is there any bus factory out mahachai way.

Also a few months back i noticed in bang khen depot a few new "route 8 type" white buses in BMTA green/white colour scheme. None of these have been seen on route service.

all of these buses seem to be of the same type as the new yellow chinese buses on route 8.

Does anyone know what other routes will be upgraded with these new buses in 2008 and if any of the BMTA routes will be done.

a side note. The seats on the new yellow route 8 buses are very uncomfortable and too small ie poor leg room when compared to other AC buses.

[pong]

helo again gwmss
Thanks for your report, goodf to see there is some more interest in these things!
The new YELLOW=private I think buses now also on route 92= Vict.Monum (again)-LPrao-Bangkapi/Mall-RKHaeng-Pattanakarn, the AC should be extended to Keha RomKlao, but this is often not done. On none of the routes they have the writing that all buses should have: legal owner, the big digits for route/fleet nr etc.
I also saw those white new buses (seems same brand, but unconfirmed to me) in a ''colonne'' of which I suppsoed it was delivery from the factory near the Vict.Monum some day in nov. As in the past many of the newer BKK/BMTA-buses were made in BangPaKok estate (Sahakol and ex-TBBW works). Route 82 (BanglamPhu-WongWienYai-Daokanong-Prapradang) I use regularly, but I have not seen anything on them.

[GWR]

What is not clear is why BMTA would choose to do this rather than leave it to the interprovincial bus system? The post after this suggests it is a confusion over company names. Sounds feasible! So here's also a link to an 'international bus' thread in the Laos subforum:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2961

BMTA to offer bus service to Laos

(BangkokPost.com) – The BMTA will soon launch bus services from Khon Kaen province to Vientiane, Laos with the first two services said to be available on February 14, Valentine's Day.

According to the BMTA, the new route was introduced as the number of students from Laos entering Thailand to further their studies continue to grow.

There are already plans to open more services to neighbouring countries such as Vietnam with buses leaving from Nakhon Panom. This service is expected to open within the next 2-3 years.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=125376

[pong]

My guess: confusion between BoKoSo (''the transport comp.) and BMTA! Those journalists who dont know anything.........
BKS already runs since a year or 2 1 quite succesfull routes Nongh Khai-VTE and Udorn-VTE.
This is thus most likely simply another addition to those. Again: just my guess.......
BKS also runs superdeluxe 999 overnight direct buses BKK/Mochit-VTE and also (3/week) BKK-Pakse (via Ubon-Chong mek borderpost). In fact all theseroutes are in cooperation with something called ''the Vientiane branch of the all-Laos State transport comp.'', they have quite nice JPNese funded new chinese buses. With just 1 change its thus possible to gain Kunming in China (has a direct bus, taking 2 nights, from VTE!

[gwmss15]

Today I went out to get some pictures of my local buses that run along rama 2 road. The Buses that operate along Rama 2 road are 17,68,76,105,140,141,142, 147,169,171,172,173,529,558,976 and some truck services.

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.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000590a.jpg

1. Route 147 Circle: Rama 2 – Dao Khanong – Bang Khae. This is bus 147-5 seen at the Kheha Thonburi (Soi 60) bus stop. Bus make unknown. Every 2 to 5 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000591a.jpg

2. This is the driver’s seat of bus 147 –5. This is fairly standard for this kind of bus.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000592a.jpg

3. This is the passenger seating section of bus 147 –5 (Route 147 Bus number 5).

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000593a.jpg

4. Route 141 Expressway: Samae Dum to Chulalongkorn University. This is a Merc O404 as far as I know. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000594a.jpg

5. Mahachai city to Central Rama 2 Truck service. This runs every 5 mins all day and the route is about 40 km long.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000595a.jpg

6. 24hour mini truck service operates along Rama 2 road from Dao Khanong to Kheha Thonburi. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000597a.jpg

7. Route 529: Mochit 2 to Samae Dum: Bus at holding area at Samae Dum (Panthai shrine). This is a Hino bus. Every 10 to 15 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000598a.jpg

8. This is the driver’s seat of the above bus. This is fairly standard for a modern aircond bus.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000599a.jpg

9. This is the passenger seating area of the same bus.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000601a.jpg

10. Bus number 529-15 at holding area.

[gwmss15]

Today I went out to get some pictures of my local buses that run along rama 2 road. The Buses that operate along Rama 2 road are 17,68,76,105,140,141,142, 147,169,171,172,173,529,558,976 and some truck services.

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.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000602a.jpg

11. Side view of Bus 529 –15. This bus had just terminated here.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000604a.jpg

12. View of Route 529’s southern bus holding area.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000605a.jpg

13. Rear shot including engine of Bus 529 –15 the engine door is open to help cooling while running.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000606a.jpg

14. Bus route 105: Klong San to mahachai mai (new mahachai city) this is taken at the route 105 bus holding area its peak hour so all most all buses are out. Hino Non aircond BMTA 5- 40121. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000607a.jpg

15. This is the passenger area of BMTA 5- 40121

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000609a.jpg

16. Route 140 Expressway: Mahachai Mai to Victory Monument Bus number 140-12 Type unknown. Taken at route 140 holding area at Mahachai Mai. Every 15 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000610a.jpg

17. Route 68: Mahachai city – Sanam Luang passing the inbound stop at Mahachai Mai. This is another merc O404 city bus. Every 5 to 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000611a.jpg

18. Route 105 Red: Mahachai Mai to Kilometer 9 via Rama 2 seen at inbound stop at Mahachai Mai. This is a Merc bus type unknown. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000612a.jpg

19: Bus number 140-12 waiting to depart at mahachai mai.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000613a.jpg

20: The passenger section of bus 140 – 12 facing the back.

[gwmss15]

Today I went out to get some pictures of my local buses that run along rama 2 road. The Buses that operate along Rama 2 road are 17,68,76,105,140,141,142, 147,169,171,172,173,529,558,976 and some truck services.

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.


http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000614a.jpg

21: Bus 140- 12 facing the front. Note the engine is under the floor at the front.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000615a.jpg

22: Route 140 expressway: Samae Dum to Victory Monument. Seen at Kheha Thonburi. BMTA 5- 67220 this is a Daewoo bus. Every 2 to 5 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000617a.jpg

23: Route 142 expressway: Kheha Thonburi to Paknam. BMTA 3-66236 another angle on a Daewoo bus. Seen at Kheha Thonburi.(soi 60) Note: this bus will be full in about 10 stops for this spot it’s a very busy route operates from 3.30am to 11pm 7 days a week every 2 to 5 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000618a.jpg

24: Route 558 expressway: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samae Dum. BMTA 5-67174 another Daewoo bus. This was seen at Kheha Thonburi stop. This route is 70km long operates every 15 to 20 mins from 4am to 12am 7days a week.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000619a.jpg

25: Route 17: Kheha Thonburi to Victory monument seen at Kheha Thonburi This is a hino bus and will run to Ratburana peir only as per the white/red sign. The full route at peak takes around 2 and half hours one way. Every 2 to 5 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000620a.jpg

26: The doorway of a Route 17 bus. They only stop of a few seconds when letting people on or off.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000621a.jpg

27: Route 172: Kheha Thonburi to Happy land. Bus no 172-10 seen at kheha thonburi. This route runs every 10 mins and takes over 3 hours to reach the other end. Bus type unknown.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000623a.jpg

28: Rear shot of a route 147 bus. This is a very bus route. This bus was seen at kheha Thonburi. Bus no 147-62. This is the same type as seen earlier.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000624a.jpg

29: Rear shot of Route 141 Expressway at Kheha thonburi this is an O404 city bus. BMTA No 5-6541.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000628a.jpg

30: Motobike taxi stand common at the Entrance to most sois on Rama 2.

[pong]

hello gwm, nice pictures! I just came back to BKk yesterday and right now have only very little time (have to sort out all kind of things), will come back/post later. Just 1 correction: the BMTA 6100-series (on route 141, Exway)McBz are NOT 0404, they are far too old for that, I think the motor is 0303 (but I am not very knowledgeable about that) with TBBW bodywork made in Thailand. A lot of those series (over 400) are already sold off to private=rot ruam and used on various toutes. You have indeed made a very complete overview with all those mini-songhthaews etc. Also same type is used on private AC68, run as Union Bus, but these are even older (likely a refurbished bodywork).

[gwmss15]

While waiting for a return train to Bang Bon station I walked around the Wong Wian Yai station area and photographed a wide range of local Thonburi buses. These pictures where taken at the start of peak hour in Bangkok so the traffic is beginning to build up.

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.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000659a.jpg

1. A Route 37 Bus: Chaeng Ron to Maha Nak. This is some kind of Merc Euro 2 bus. Taken at the front of Wong Wian Yai station. Note: This bus was stuck in a stand still jam the lady was running to get this bus. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000660a.jpg

2. A route 167 Bus: Bang Bon to Klong San. This is a Merc non aircond bus This is one of many routes that compete with the train. Taken at Wong Wian Yai Station also stuck in the same traffic jam. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000664a.jpg

3. A route 42 Mini Bus: Bi directional Circle Tha Phra to Giant Swing. This is a Merc Mini Bus type unknown. Bus number not visible. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop in Wong Wian Yai. Note these mini buses can hold upto 42 people. Every 2 to 5 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000665a.jpg

4. A route 4 Bus: Klong Toei Port to Phasi Charoen Pier. BMTA number 4-40460. taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. This is a Hino Non aircond bus. Every 5 mins. (24 hour service)

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000668a.jpg

5. A route 43 bus: Sueksa Nari Witthaya School 2 to Klong San. Bus number not visible. Bus type Unknown. This is yet another bus that competes with the railway line. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000669a.jpg

6. A route 164 bus: Puttha Monthon Sai 4 to Victory Monument. Bus number 164-49. Bus type unknown. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 10 mins.
http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000670a.jpg

7.A route 7 bus: Klong Khwang to Hua Lamphong. BMTA Number 6-30311. This is some type of Merc city bus. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 5 mins. (24 hour service)

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000671a.jpg

8. A route 89 bus: Bangkok Rajamangala Institute of Technology to Taling Chan Police Station. Bus number 89-10.Bus type unknown. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 5 to 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000672a.jpg

9. This is one of a few unusual Green minibuses seen on route 42 at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Bus number and type not known. Possiably a merc. These appear to be a better version as they are taller inside.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000675a.jpg

10. Route 84N bus: Aue Arthon Villiage (Salaya) to Klong San. BMTA number 6-56119. This is an Isuzu Bus. There are thousands of these aircond buses. This is the second most new type of bus in Bangkok. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 5 to 10 mins.

[gwmss15]

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000676a.jpg

11. Route 542 bus: Bi directional circle Pink Lao to Victory Monument. Bus Number 542 –13. This is an O404 Merc City bus. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. This route also has the New Yellow city buses. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000677a.jpg

12. Route 111 bus: Bi Drectional Circle Talat Phlu market to Bukkhalo. BMTA number 5- 40118. This is a Hino bus. It is operated from the Samae Dum BMTA depot. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000679a.jpg

13. Route 9 bus: Samsen railway station to Soi Gamnunman Depot. Bus Number 9-30. Bus type unknown taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000680a.jpg

14. Route 7 bus: Sueksa Nari Witthaya School to Hua Lamphong. Bus Number 7-26. This yet another Merc O404 city bus. Taken at the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Every 5 to 10 mins.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000681a.jpg

15. A couple of local tour buses passing the Intharaphithak rd bus stop. Type unknown.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Thai%20rail%20Pics/P1000682a.jpg

16. This is an example of the small streets around the wong wian yai station area. This Soi connects Intharaphithak rd with the railway station. This soi is too narrow for normal cars to pass.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000684a.jpg

17. Route 82 bus: Phra Pradaeng to Sanam Luang. Bus number not shown. This is a Merc mini bus of a different type to the normal ones. Taken at the footbridge outside wong wian yai station. Every 2 to 5 mins (24 hour service)

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000685a.jpg

18. This is the inbound traffic at the start of the evening peak hour. This is a stand still Jam. The white Number 57 is the rail bus to Klong San. The blue and white number 85 runs to Hua Lamphong station and can take over 1 hour just to travel the 3km from this spot. This is taken from the footbridge at Wong Wian Yai.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000686a.jpg

19. This is a shot of the traffic from the same footbridge facing the Wong Wian Yai junction. The Statue in the middle is of King Taksin from about 300 years ago. This junction is one of only a handful of traffic circles in Bangkok.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000689a.jpg

20. Now for something different:
This is the Bang Bon to Bang Khunthian Lower via Central Rama 2 Truck Bus service. In the dry season it takes about 1 hour end to end. In the Wet season this route can blow out to 3 hours due to deep mud and flooding on Bang Khunthian road. Every 15 mins (5am to 11pm)

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.

[pong]

helow gwmss, nice pictures again. I tried to send you a personal yesterday, but this site throws me out all the time. I'll try again. I do have some more info on the makes and former status of many of the white rot ruam=private citybuses (many are former BMTA), again: I'll try to contact you.

[gwmss15]

While on my way out to the new southern bus terminal. I rode on Route 146 Circle: Bang Khae – Outer Ring Road. This route uses only non airconditioned buses some are NGV powered some are diesel powered. This is one of the 2 major routes of Kanchana Phisek road. This route links the massive mall Bang Khae with the new southern bus terminal. The frequency of this route is around every 5 mins. Route 146 operates from 4am to 10pm 7 days a week.

1. This is a picture of the bus that I rode from Bang Khae.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000706a.jpg

This is a short movie showing what it is like to ride on route 146. Note: The cracked door window and the general nature of the bus. The ticket lady can be seen walking around the bus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TolvP9jWuVQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TolvP9jWuVQ

2. This is an image of Bus no 146-36 waiting at the route 146 holding area at Puttha Monthon sai 2.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000705a.jpg

3. This is an image of the drivers seat on bus no 146-36 taken at Puttha Monthon Sai 2.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000703a.jpg

4. This is an image of the passenger area of bus 146-36 taken at Puttha Monthon sai 2.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000704a.jpg

5. This is an image of bus no 146-37 at Puttha Monthon sai 2.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000701a.jpg

6. This bus was seen on Kanchana Phisek rd. A new bus company called “Metrobus” owns this bus. This is one of the newest buses in Bangkok. The route it is meant to operate on is unknown. This is not a low floor bus but has single step inside the door. This is a Chinese made city bus.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000700a.jpg

7. On the return from the new southern bus terminal I had to use route 146 again.

This is an image of the route 146 bus depot. They have a large number of buses just for this route. The actual number is unknown but there are probably 50 to 60 buses. This is where they repair and maintain the route 146 buses. This depot is located just off Boromarajaonani rd near southern bus terminal.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000742a.jpg

8. I had to change buses here, as the bus I was on needed more fuel. This is the bus that I took Bus no: 146-2. Note: This bus had an odd burning smell coming from it as it drove along. Which was stronger when it stopped. This smell didn’t seem to be annoying the bus driver.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Bangkok%20Buses/P1000744a.jpg

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.

[gwmss15]

While on my way out to the new southern bus terminal. I rode on Route 147 Circle: Dao Khanong – Outer ring road. This route uses only non airconditioned buses some are NGV powered some are diesel powered. This is one of the 2 major routes of Kanchana Phisek road. This route links Rama 2 road (Kheha Thonburi) with the mall Bang Khae. This route runs every 2 to 5 mins. This route operates from 5am to 10pm 7 days a week.

1. This is an image of a route 147 bus seen at Kheha Thonburi.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/P1000589a.jpg

2. This is one of a couple of short movies taken on a route 147 bus. This film shows the general condition of the route 147 buses. Also shown is how short a “pick up” bus stop is less than 5 seconds for the passengers to board the bus. The bumpiness of the film is due to the poor suspension of the bus or the road.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-bVVQq-0Cg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-bVVQq-0Cg

3. This is a film taken on a route 147 bus on the return trip from Bang Khae. This bus had a problem with its roof every time it hit a bump in the road it would shake from side to side as well as up and down as it if was about to rip apart. Also shown are the short stops.

Note: Due to the bumpy motion of the bus the moving roof is hard to see in the video but trust me it was moving a lot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV0Et5mU-VY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV0Et5mU-VY

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.

[gwmss15]

A few days ago while in the inner city of Bangkok taking pictures of the BTS and MRT systems I documented the new modern city buses. These buses have only bee operating in small but increasing numbers since mid 2007. There are 3 companies operating the new buses. 2 of the companies use new yellow midi floor Chinese made buses. One company called “Metrobus” that took over from microbus operates Chinese made buses in white colour with LCD TVs inside for passengers.

These new Yellow buses are considered part of Bangkok’s modern mass transport mostly due to their age. However in the future there will be a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system operating between Silom and The Mall Tha Phra in Thonburi via Rama 3 road. The BRT will use similar buses to the currently operating yellow buses. The BRT is currently under construction and has been delayed quite significantly due to politics.

The new buses made by King Long (Golden Dragon) are fully air-conditioned and are very comfortable. Although the seats could be made with a bit better quality materials they seem cheap and easy to become damaged. The fares on the yellow buses operated by 2 companies one of which is ‘Citybus” range from 12 baht to 25 baht a trip. The fares on “Metrobus” are a fixed 30 baht fare regardless of distance. They appear to only operate one route Victory Monument to Bang Khae in Thonburi.

The new yellow buses are currently operating on the following routes:

Route 8: Memorial Bridge – Kheha Rom Klao.
Route 115: Siam Park – Silom.
Route 92: Kheha Rom Klao – Victory Monument.
Route 40: Rama 9 Road – Southern Bus Terminal.
Route 542: Bi Directional Circle: Pink Lao – Wong Wien Yai – Victory Monument.
Route 539: Om Yai to Victory Monument.

Route 539 appears to have an expressway version at peak times using the yellow buses. This would be the 1st bus route to use the elevated way on Boromarajaonani road in Thonburi.

1. This is a short movie showing what its like to ride on a new yellow bus. Taken between Victory Monument and Ari. The ticket lady can be seen walking around the bus. The buses are operated in a similar way to BMTA with boarding via front and back doors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCy5N2qxxw

2. This is an image of a new yellow golden dragon bus operating on route 542 Bi Directional Circle: Pink Lao – Wong Wien Yai – Victory Monument. Bus Number 542 – 35. Taken at Victory Monument.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000980a.jpg

3. This is a picture of the front doorway of bus number 542-35. Note: The single step inside the door. These buses often look like low floor buses but they are not.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000976a.jpg

4. This is an inside shot of bus number 542-35. Note the amount of standing area and the seating style.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000978a.jpg

5. This is a rear shot of bus number 542-35. Taken from the overhead walkway at Victory monument. Note the older route 542 bus and the non aircond buses. This is a good image of the old and the new.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000974a.jpg

6. This is a shot of another yellow golden dragon bus. This bus operates on the very congested Route 8: Memorial Bridge – Kheha Rom Klao. Bus number 2 of “Citybus”.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000985a.jpg

7. This is a front on shot of bus 2 on route 8. This was the bus that I took to Ari. Note boarding is via front and back doors.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000986a.jpg

8. This is an inside shot taken facing the front of the above bus. Again this is not a low floor bus.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000988a.jpg

9. This is the driver’s seat and dashboard of the route 8 bus. It’s very modern when compared to other Thai city buses. It even has a working Speedo unlike most Thai buses.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000990a.jpg

10. This is a rear shot of bus number 8 at Ari taken from under the BTS station. Note the bus model number can be seen here “SLK 6111 UE6NA”. Most Thai buses don’t show any model numbers on them. Even when a symbol or model number is shown it’s often inaccurate.

http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l74/Thaitransit/Modern%20Mass%20transit%20rail/modern%20mass%20transit%20buses/P1000994a.jpg

To see more pictures of Thai mass transit please VISIT http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/

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.

[pong]

Last year, 2550=2007, some 4 new bridges were opened over the Chao Praya river, from NOrth to South:
1.Pak Kred, smack in the middle of the village
2+3.2 connecting, from near Ram III via that ''half-isle'' sticking out in the river, toward PraPraDaeng
4.the last link in the southern ringroad=Kanchanapisek, south of praPraDaeng, into the SamRong area.
My question: does anyone know about any new busroutes opened over these bridges, or has read/seen some hint about them? It is not necessary the case, as f.e. the new RAM VIII bridge near Thevet has none either.
Ive tried to find out twice in Pak Kred, there is a new route 388 to Salaya, but it runs via Kae Lai. Ive seen quite a few buses running over the bridge at around dusk, but all were empty and some from route BMTA 18, based in Tha-It depot. There used to be several songhthaew routes from the ferrydock at the west side, and these still seem to run, as do the pedestrian ferries.
MAYbe the new countrybus 35 New saiThai-Rayong may use the southern bridge, but I dont want to spend some 250 bt just to find out it does not after all.

[gwmss15]

A possiable route that might use Rama 8 bridge is the new 539 om yai expressway service. I suspect it may use the elevated road along pink lao but accessing it via the Rama 8 bridge.

The only evidence i have for this expressway service is a large yellow expressway type bus sign in the front window of a new (yellow) route 539 bus. it appears to be a peak hour only service.

The Pattaya and Rayong buses from the new southern bus terminal appear to operate via RAMA 2 road running express down the middle part of the road and entering the expressway at Dao Khanong.

[Yappofloyd]

4/5 years ago you could buy day and weekly paper tickets but they were withdrawn due forgeries. A day ticket is a must but the real test will be to have intergrated electronic ticketing with BTS, MRT and SRT Airport line (and perhaps the water taxis as well).

Plan for day tickets, all-aircon bus fleet AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK, Bkk Post, 11/04/08

The Transport Ministry has floated the idea of making all city buses airconditioned and introducing a flat rate fare for a one-day travel pass.

Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri told the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to prepare a proposal for consideration by the cabinet next month. ''One-day tickets and airconditioned buses should encourage people to leave their cars at home and take buses or other public transportation,'' he said ''Good service at a reasonable price would help reduce the use of private vehicles.'' The fare would not be high, even though all buses would be airconditioned, to ensure it was within the means of low-income commuters.

There are about 1.5 million fully paid bus rides a day in the city, with another 300,000 trips by the elderly and children. He said the BMTA also needs to revise its bus routes to better serve the needs of commuters and complete the link services with the skytrain and subway systems.

BMTA director Pinet Puapatanakul said the flat-rate ticket should be in the range of 10 to 20 baht. Normal fares based on distance travelled would remain in place for short rides. ''Airconditioned buses will attract people who now travel by car, but fares must be cheaper than using private cars,'' he said. The BMTA rejuvenation plan also includes cutting the staff pool from 18,000 to 12,000, he said.

[pong]

Oh, Thai politcs and their promises!
When the day-tickets were last for sale some 4 years or so ago, they were 10 bt/non-AC and 35 bt/AC (with the red ones thrown in for free), and then there were also MORE only-BMTA run and fewer ''rot ruam''=private buses as well. At that time the red bus-fare was 3,5 bt and the AC like from 10 or 11 up to 20/21.
But then even the Chinese now have in about any major city a kind of store-value card, and even the well-known ''sewen'' chain (7-11 for not-Thai speakers) have a same type of card for EZ-paying. Could be very, very easy to introduce it and have ''daycards'' loaded on them. Now just try to convince the 1000+ ''rot ruam'' to accept it...........

[Yappofloyd]

CNG best for all public transport - Bkk Post 07/05/08

The authorities' deliberate delay in allowing public transport service providers to raise fares, which would reflect higher diesel fuel prices, is an unfair and unproductive act. That kind of foot-dragging does not solve any problems but compounds the financial woes being faced by operators of city and inter-provincial bus services and river boats, among others. The fare freeze would have implications on the quality of services they provide to the travelling public and those losses could eventually drive these operators out of business, thereby depriving commuters of the services they deserve.

With oil prices breaking record highs almost every day, with the prospect of reaching 40 baht a litre soon from 33.94 baht in Greater Bangkok last weekend, the cost pressure on transport service providers will be intense. For most bus firms, fuel bills now account for half their operating costs, inflating from 30-40% previously, all because of the relentless hike in oil prices.

City bus operators want to raise fares from 8.50 to 10 baht for ordinary buses and by two baht to 14-26 baht for air-conditioned buses. Inter-provincial bus operators seek an increase ranging from three to nine satang per kilometre. Instead of capping their fares, the authorities should come up with sustainable solutions by addressing the most critical issue _ fuel costs. That would mitigate the problem being passed on to commuters who are already shouldering a spiralling cost of living.

Natural gas can play a vital role in helping public transport service providers to arrest rising oil prices, which are projected to balloon to US$200 a barrel sooner or later, from around $120 at the moment. A bolder state policy on natural gas for vehicles (NGV) or compressed natural gas (CNG) is needed, with incentives generously expanded from the current level and ensuring that all necessary infrastructure supporting the use of this alternative fuel falls in place. The government could aggressively go as far as absorbing all the costs in converting all existing public transport including trains and taxis to CNG-fuelled, in exchange for a promise to keep their fares as low as possible.

The government's current plan to offer soft loans for CNG conversion, about 55,000-60,000 baht on petrol-to-CNG kits and 500,000 baht on diesel-to-CNG kits for buses, is unlikely to bring about a speedy change. Excise taxes on new vehicles purposely built for CNG should be further reduced from 20% at present (which was trimmed from 35% about four years ago) to a minimal rate to a provide a catalyst. Ideally, the government should make CNG-fuelled vehicles compulsory for all public transport, including trains and klong boats, as part of a major CNG drive.

The financial costs involved could come from the same source of funding which the past government resolved to draw on to support the upgrade in rail networks nationwide including Bangkok's mass transit system _ the Oil Fund. It decided to transfer nearly 80 billion baht due to be raised in the Oil Fund between 2008 and 2011, for the rail upgrade plan. There is no reason why part of the Oil Fund should not be used to support other modes of public transport.

Alongside this, it is very important that the CNG distribution network and refuelling stations are expanded at a much faster pace than currently, in order to overcome one of the existing drawbacks to the proliferation of CNG. PTT Plc's vow to ramp up the number of CNG re-fuelling stations to 330 a year from 180 at present, may not be speedy enough if the government wants to change the national fuel management structure. Many of these CNG refuelling stations should be built for the exclusive use of public transport. The authorities should encourage other enterprises to participate in CNG distribution and retailing instead of allowing state-controlled PTT to continue monopolising the operations. CNG already has its attractions, with its retail cost _ at 8.50 baht/kg _ representing one-third that of diesel fuel. The announced plan to cap the price at not more than 10 baht/kg this year is another plus, and with diesel fuel prices jumping ever higher, it makes more economic sense to turn to this alternative fuel. Another benefit is that, because it runs on clean energy, CNG-fuelled engines emit far less carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and dust, than do diesel engines.

Having a bold CNG policy for public transport can go a long way to helping all parties concerned. It is a much more meaningful way of making use of the Oil Fund, far better than subsidising oil products or reducing oil taxes.