The Modern Bus Based Mass Transport of Bangkok.

admin · The Modern Bus Based Mass Transport of Bangkok.

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=TMJU69TdpbU

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.

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.

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

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.

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”.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.