Trials underway for Chiang Mai smart bus service
The Chiang Mai Smart Bus service by RTC (Regional Transit Corporation) has been operating on trial basis for March 1 to 7 with free rides to commuters on March 6-7.
The full service will be operational in April, the “Review Chaing Mai” local and travel website’s Facebook fan page reported on Sunday.
The 10-bus fleet will be equipped with free wifi, and will also feature a low floor and special seating for physically challenged persons.
It will charge a flat fare of Bt20 that can be paid by cash or via the RTC Smart Card, which could be bought on-board and topped up with Bt100 per time.
The service will be available for five rounds per day – 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.
During the trial period, the service will be available on its R3 route, running in a circle starting from the Chiang Mai International Airport through to Wattanothai Payap School, Wat Suan Dok, Nimmanhemin, Maya mall, Chang Pheuk Gate, Three King Monument, Tha Pae Gate, Muang Mai Market, Wat Upakhut, Night Bazaar, Wua Lai, Chiang Mai Cultural Centre, Central Airport mall and then back to the airport.
The company is also currently developing a smartphone application called “CM Transit by RTC” for users’ convenience in checking for bus locations.