Phuket introduces ‘Bus Beam’ app to track public transport
Phuket yesterday introduced the “Bus Beam” mobile application that allows tourists and other people to check the locations of buses and transport timetables.
The application, initiated under the theme of “Smart Bus, Smart Passengers”, is supposed to eventually extend to cover taxi services and other public transport.
Deputy Phuket Governor Prakorb Wongmaneerung said the service was part of Phuket authorities’ plan to develop the island resort province as a “smart city”.
The application can be downloaded by both Android and IOS systems.
At present it covers several routes including from Phuket Airport to the bus terminal and Patong Beach. The service also covers inter-provincial routes from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani and Songkhla.
The application is in Thai with plans to release English and Chinese versions in January.
Speaking at a press conference, Banyat Kantha, of the Phuket Transportation Department, said the objective of the application was to help people waiting for their buses.
“From now on, using the application on their mobile phones, they will know where their buses are or whether a bus has already passed.”
Authorities predicted that the app would make public transport more convenient, resulting in higher passenger numbers and more revenue for transport operators.