A second batch of 145 buses was due to arrive sometime today and will be followed by additional ones of 145 and 100 later in December. Bestrin coordinated the procurement for the total order of 489 buses. They were built by a reputable Chinese manufacturer and assembled in neighbouring Malaysia.
Thai government spokesperson Sansern Kaewkamnerd says the first buses will hit the streets of Bangkok on the 21 December. He noted that they would be road-tested first and then the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority would submit applications to the Land Transport Department for their registration and licensing documents.
The lieutenant-general explained that the fleet enhancement was the government’s New Year present for commuters and bus passengers in Bangkok. The new 60-passenger capacity buses are air-conditioned, wheelchair friendly and feature door-safety mechanisms, GPS, WiFi and CCTV.
Once the fleet is fully operation, the buses will provide a comfortable means of reaching Ekkamai, Morchit and the Southern bus terminals as well as Hua Lamphong Railway Station. 12GO ASIA offers diverse ticketing choices from these transport hubs to destinations throughout Thailand.
Initial batch of Bangkok gas buses land at Laem Chabang Port
News in Asia
The first consignment of Bangkok’s new suburban buses was offloaded at the nearby Laem Chabang Port late last week. Bestrin Group boss Kanis Srivachiraprapha presided over the ceremonies held to welcome the 99 Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) buses to Thailand.