Bangkok bus scheme ready for April trial
Bangkok Post: 6 Feb 2010
B2bn bus scheme ready for April trial
BRT will have its own lanes, opens in MayBangkok's 2-billion-baht Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, air-conditioned buses on dedicated lanes, is likely to open as planned on May 15, after a trial starting in April.
The system will stretch 15.9km from Chong Nonsi to the intersection between Ratchadaphisek and Ratchaphruek roads, and comprise 12 bus stops.
Chong Nonsi will have its own terminus. Next down the line will be the Akhan Songkroh, Technic Krungthep, Thanon Chan, Nararam Sam, Wat Darn, Wat Pariwas, Wat Dok Mai, Rama IX, Charoenrat, and Rama III Bridge stations.
The other terminus will be at the intersection of Ratchadaphisek and Ratchaphruek roads which will have a park-and-ride area for 80 cars.
There is also a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration-owned park-and-ride area at Wong Wian Yai BTS station, which has room for 120 cars.
Apirak Kosayodhin championed the BRT as a solution to traffic woes during his first campaign for Bangkok governor in 2004.
As governor, he tried to advance the project but faced many problems including allegations of bid-rigging relating to the bus-supply contracts.
The Department of Special Investigation has forwarded its report into alleged irregularities in the BMA's Bus Rapid Transit project to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
As Mr Apirak's successor, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra pushed ahead with the project and overcame many of its problems.
A test run will start in April, when passengers can ride for free. Once the service starts, fares will be 12 to 18 baht, depending on the journey.
BRT buses will have their own stations and dedicated bus lanes.
The dedicated lanes will be separated from normal traffic lanes by concrete kerbs. The buses will be controlled by an Intelligent Transport System which should assure punctuality and safety.
BRT buses are air-conditioned and said to be as comfortable as electric trains. They are 12-metres-long and can carry 80 passengers. Their doors are on the right-hand side because they will run close to middle of the road.
BRT buses travel at 35kph, similar to electric trains.
The buses will pick up passengers every five minutes during peak travel times and every seven minutes at other times.
The BMA has asked its subsidiary Krungthep Thanakom to implement the BRT project. The BMA will sign a contract on Feb 10 to hire Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) to supply BRT buses worth 535 million baht.
BTS chief operating officer Surapong Laoha-Unya said his company would buy the first lot of 25 buses from Shanghai Sunlong Bus Co in China.
The buses meet the Euro 3 emission standard and should be delivered in April, he said.
Krungthep Thanakom managing director Amorn Kitchawengkul said the intersections with Thanon Chan, Ratchadaphisek and Rama III Roads and Rama III Bridge could slow the service.
BRT buses must wait for green lights at the intersections and share a traffic lane with other vehicles on the bridge.
The BRT service would be at the mercy of traffic police and other motorists who had to be persuaded to make way for public transit, Mr Amorn said.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/32378/b2bn-bus-scheme-ready-for-april-trial
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