Temporary free boat service on Khlong Phasi Charoen planned

The free boat rides, which would link with the Skytrain’s Bang Wa Station, will be offered on a trial basis so the city can collect information on possible improvements and setting an appropriate fare.

BMA Traffic and Transportation Department executive Somchai Takasiyanant yesterday took members of the media to observe the trial boat service from Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen pier to Phetchkasem 69 pier, a distance of 11.5 kilometres spanning 15 piers. 

The 10-boat service would provide rides to members of the public in the mornings from 6am to 9am, and in the evening from 4pm to 7.30pm, he said. Each boat will carry up to 60 passengers and be equipped with one life vest per seat, as well as GPS tracking devices. They will travel under 10kmh for passenger safety, he said.

The city will also build a 245-meter-long skywalk to the Skytrain’s Bang Wa Station, construction of which will commence next April, as well as building erosion-prevention barriers along Khlong Phasi Charoen, according to Somchai.