The prototype bus route has the full backing of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. The two parties signed an agreement earlier this week which will see them collaborate on expanding this first electric bus route.
The green bus is a tribute to modern technology and with just one five-hour charge is able to cover up to 250kms. It is capable of speeds as high as 70kph and has GPS tracking so that passengers waiting to board can estimate its arrival time. Another positive feature is a wheelchair ramp allowing use by disabled people.
The BMTA currently operates a fleet of 3,000-plus buses which are notorious for their belching exhausts. Thai transport-minister Prajin Juntong said last week that the fleet would gradually be replaced with more environmentally friendly vehicles and also hopefully slash the high costs involved in buying 120 million litres of diesel every year.
Prototype electric bus service hits the streets of Bangkok
News in Asia
A new bus route utilising an electric powered bus has launched on the streets of the Thai capital of Bangkok. A project managed by the development team at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) saw the route linking its campus to the city’s Lat Krabang Airport Link Station carry its first passengers this week.