The Association of Interprovincial Bus Operators president said the decision followed a meeting with national transport minister Prajin Juntong. She continued by saying that while two satang did not seem like a massive cut, it would knock up to THB20 off fares for some of the longer interprovincial routes.
Ms Cherdchai added that in exchange for the association’s acquiescence in reducing fares she hoped the ministry would consider some of its proposals. The president said members would like to see timetable frequencies on certain routes cut back as well as passenger insurance premiums reduced.
Thailand’s intercity bus network covers almost every part of Thailand and is much more convenient for travellers than the national rail network. The rail system has only four main routes and travel times are invariably slower than on premium-class buses.
A trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around nine hours by bus and more than 14 hours by train. Buses also work out cheaper than flying. Fares on standard air-conditioned buses are often only 20 per cent of the cost of an air ticket on a scheduled carrier for the same route.
Thailand reduces fares on intercity buses
News in Asia
Thailand’s intercity bus operators’ organisation has confirmed it will reduce fares on long-distance buses. Suchinda Cherdchai is the president of the group and she says fares for the buses will be cut by two satang (THB0.02) for each kilometre travelled with effect from 16 January 2015.