Orawit Hemajutha continued by saying that if the committee chose to go ahead with the project then they would have to decide whether the BMA would operate the service or private contractors. Although the BMA is chairing the meeting, Royal Palace staff, transport officials and travel agencies are attending and will have their say in the matter.
Mr Hemajutha said the trams would likely run on a seven-kilometre circuit from close to Phan Fah Leelart Bridge and take in the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang Park and Wat Pho. The director finished off with the statement that BMA inspectors still had to work out how many tourist buses came to Rattanakosin every day so that they could make sure there were enough trams.
Rattanakosin’s attractions are on the itineraries of most domestic and international tourists. This popularity means roads in the vicinity are invariably congested and it is sometimes quicker to walk than sit on a tour bus.
Bangkok mulls Rattanakosin tram services
News in Asia
Senior council officials in Bangkok are holding a meeting next week to decide whether to start tram routes in the Rattanakosin Island quarter of the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) transport director says attendees will discuss the feasibility of a tram service linking some of the Thai capital’s key tourist sites.