Explaining his preference for electric buses, the minister said the price of NGV was continually increasing and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) needed to look at alternative options. He continued by saying that electric buses could travel up to 300kms on one charge and they also did not emit noxious fumes.
The minister said the lack of emissions would help ease Bangkok’s notorious pollution problems. He finished off with the statement that Thai manufacturers would also be able to build electric buses.
A programme that will see the Transport Ministry and the BMTA purchase 2,694 NGV buses is due to begin next month. The ministry says the initial stage of the project will continue as planned and that tenders for 489 buses will still be accepted.
The price of NGV spiralled following a decision by the Thai National Energy Ministry to end subsidies on gas to ensure competitive fuel pricing. The ending of the subsidies triggered a demand by private bus, mini-bus and taxi operators for an increase in the fares they are allowed to charge to compensate for the higher NGV charges.
Thailand considers electric buses for Bangkok
News in Asia
Yesterday, the Thai transport minister said it would be a practical option to replace Bangkok’s aging bus fleet with electric vehicles. According to media sources in the capital, Prajin Juntong stated that authorities should abandon the idea of putting gas powered NGV buses on the streets of the city.