A partnership comprising Thai company Chor Thavee and South Korea’s CHO Limited secured the THB1,790 million contract to fit Bangkok’s 2,600 buses with the new machines. Mr Hommuang says the agreement needs to be revised to include the missing clause before it can be signed off on.
The director also gave updates on the ongoing saga surrounding the BMTA’s acquisition of new buses. He explained that the contract would be opened up for bids within the next month or so and the first batch of buses would probably be delivered in October.
The BMTA had already agreed terms with the Bestlin Group for the supply of 489 NGV-powered buses. The first buses had reached Thailand over the New Year, but the BMTA pulled the plug on the deal after it was alleged the vehicles were built in China and not Malaysia.
12GO ASIA’s travel experts say Bangkok’s bus network is comprehensive and there are not many areas it does not offer access to. It links the city’s three main intercity bus terminals, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport and Hua Lamphong Rail Station.
New Bangkok bus ticketing system installation hits the buffers
News in Asia
The director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) says the planned installation of electronic ticket machines on the city’s buses has been derailed. Somsak Hommuang told reporters on Friday the contract needed revising so it included maintenance services for the equipment.