An unnamed source told media reporters in the Thai capital that people who used Sathon to Ratchaphruek BRT services said it was convenient, cheap to ride and offered quick commutes during morning and evening peak travel times. Even car users who use the same roads noted that axing the BRT would be unlikely to alleviate traffic congestion.
A Kasem Bundit University research team carried out the survey and quizzed a total of 3,500 people on the buses as well as at the 12 stations on the line. Many of the travellers on the buses said they would accept an increase in fares if it would save the service.
The BRT buses run on dedicated lanes on Narathiwat Ratchanakharin and Rama III roads and connect two BTS Skytrain stations, Talat Phlu and Chong Nonsi. The BMA says that since the service was launched in 2010 it has lost more than a billion baht and passenger numbers of 25,000 a day are 10,000 lower than projected.
12GO ASIA says Bangkok’s urban transportation options link the city’s two airports, Hua Lamphong Rail Station and the three intercity bus terminals. 12GO ASIA provides myriad travel choices for locations throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Bangkok commuters give doomed rapid transit buses a thumbs up
News in Asia
Commuters who use Bangkok’s soon to be axed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service say city authorities should reconsider their decision. A survey carried out on behalf of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) found that a resounding 80 per cent were in favour of saving the BRT line.