BMTA's bus plan approved
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The economic policy screening committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, yesterday approved the term of reference for Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's planned purchase of new buses.
Under the ToR, BMTA will open bids for the supply of 3,183 buses, worth Bt13.16 billion, which are driven by diesel, natural gas and other alternative fuels.
After the meeting, Kittiratt said that among the alternative fuels specified is the gasohol E85, which will help boost domestic ethanol demand and boost farmers' income.
Some diesel-driven buses would be purchased on condition that they can be converted to consume biodiesel, he said.
The Transport Ministry and the state agency will finalise the number of buses under different fuel categories.
Kittiratt said that the government is ready to shoulder extra fuel cost, if alternative fuels are more expensive than conventional fuels.
"The procurement is an urgent issue as most buses are in deteriorating condition. This should be forwarded for the Cabinet's approval within April. Though the procurement process may take a while, within 2013 new buses should arrive and the one ones would be gradually phased out," he said.
