Test-runs for new bus routes start next week

Eight pilot bus routes, with new numbers and colour codes, are set for one-month test runs from next Tuesday, according to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) Wednesday.

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Pilot city bus routes set for first test run

Om Jotikasthira

Eight pilot bus routes, with new numbers and colour codes, are set for one-month test runs from next Tuesday, according to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) Wednesday.

The modification of the eight new bus routes is a part of bus reform, by the DLT, which will see 269 new  bus routes across the capital, divided into four zones, signified by the colours green, red, yellow and blue.

The colour of each zone will be painted on the front of the bus, which will also put in the new bus number, featuring the Latin alphabet: for example, G for green, Y for yellow, B for blue and R for red, in front of the actual bus number. The letter, E, at the end signifies the bus takes the expressway.

According to DLT chief Sanit Promwong, the total bus reform process in Bangkok will take two years to complete. Throughout the period, he said, original bus routes will still be in operation, as the new bus routes will be slowly integrated along Bangkok's roads.

He said new buses will eventually be equipped with GPS tracking systems to track buses' locations and make use of e-tickets, to ease commuting for the public.

The rejuvenated buses won't start until the driver swipes his card, to confirm his identity on the recorder.

During this one-month experimental process, each of the eight routes will be given five buses each. Mr Sanit said this period will be a "learning process," where the DLT will receive feedback from the public.

Operating zones signified by colours will help lessen the amount of excessively overlapping bus routes in the capital, he said, adding shorter routes will make it easier for quality control.

Feeders linking skytrain and subway stations will also be provided, he added. The eight new bus routes to be tested will use the same pricing system as buses under the BMTA, he said.

Mr Sanit said the main objective of bus reform is to stop the monopolisation of buses in Bangkok by opening auctions for private companies to invest in new bus routes.

He said this shift in exclusive bus registration rights in Bangkok – all overseen now by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) – will improve the overall quality of public buses, because more companies will compete to win a concession.

For more details on the bus routes, ticket prices and the auction process, you can read the rest of the story here:http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1303219/pilot-city-bus-routes-set-for-first-test-run

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