BMTA to introduce three tourist bus routes in Bangkok
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to launch three new circular bus routes for taking tourists around the capital, its acting director said on Tuesday.
Prayoon Chuaykaew said the project for air-conditioned bus services on three tourism routes had been proposed to the central land transport control committee for approval.
The panel is considering the project and the BMTA would be ready to provide the service once it is approved.
He added that the BMTA planned to launch the new routes by the middle of this year.
The first route would run between Sanam Luang, Yaowarat and Siam Square.
The second route would run between Victory Monument and Siam Square, while the third would run between Si Phraya Pier and Siam Square.
The BMTA would use new NGV (natural gas vehicle) buses, which would be painted colourfully to distinguish them from normal shuttle buses, the acting director said.
It would also screen bus drivers and conductors, who would need to be able to speak English, for the three routes.
They may also get Chinese-language training because a large number of Chinese tourists now visit the capital, he added.
If the project is successful, the BMTA plans to launch more tourist bus routes in the future, Prayoon said.