Overland holiday travel way up
More than 1.8 million people travelled on inter-provincial buses and trains during the New Year holidays, up more than 350,000 on last year, according to Transport Ministry figures.
More than 1.8 million people travelled on inter-provincial buses and trains during the New Year holidays, up more than 350,000 on last year, according to Transport Ministry figures.
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Traveller numbers skyrocket
Amornrat Mahitthirook
More than 1.8 million people travelled on inter-provincial buses and trains during the New Year holidays, up more than 350,000 on last year, according to Transport Ministry figures.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said 1.14 million people travelled by buses operated by state-owned Transport Co and private bus concessionaires between Dec 29 and Jan 4.
The figure represents an increase of about 300,000 passengers on last year.
About 710,000 people also took the train in the holiday period, up by 50,000 on the same period last year.
Holiday travellers arrive back in Bangkok at Hua Lamphong station. PATTARACHAI PREECHAPANICH
Mr Arkhom attributed the increase in passengers to cheap fares and improved services.
New trains and buses were also entered into service, he said.
In particular, rail travel offers greater convenience, safety, cleanliness and punctuality, which customers want, he said.
In Bangkok, city buses reported a decline in passenger numbers last year following a rise in the number of car owners. By the end of last year, 36 million privately-owned vehicles were registered nationwide, up by 1 million on the previous year, according to Mr Arkhom.
Lower fuel prices encouraged more people to use their cars, the minister said.
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