Trial runs: free electric boat trips for 6 months on Pakkred-Sathorn route
Chao Phraya Express Boat signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) on Tuesday to test run passenger electric boats on the Chao Phraya River from Pakkred pier to Sathorn pier.
“This year marks the company’s 50th anniversary of providing boat services on the Chao Phraya River,” said Chao Phraya Express Boat president Suphaphan Phichaironnarongsongkhram. “We have been working with Egat in developing electric boats that are energy efficient and will help reduce air and noise pollution along the river, effectively tackling the PM2.5 problem that has been threatening the livelihoods of people in metropolitan areas,” she said.
Egat deputy governor Jiraporn Sirikham said the development of electric boats is part of the government’s “One Transport” policy, aiming to integrate various types of public transport under one seamless system.
“The trial run will last for six months. Commuters can board electric boats for free, from Pakkred pier to Rama VII pier, and from Rama VII pier to Sathorn pier.”
Jiraporn added that Egat would collect data from the trial run and use it to develop electric boat services on other routes nationwide.