Trial run for buses on eight new routes in Bangkok
Newly painted buses will go on trial on eight new routes in Greater Bangkok from next Tuesday.
They will be displaying a new numbering system too, including at least one English-language character.
The new routes are: G21 (Rangsit - Rama V Pier), G59E (Min Buri - Si Phraya Pier via expressway), R3 (Rama IX Park - National Stadium), R41 (Tok Road - Happyland), Y59 (Taling Chan Train Station - Krathum Ban), Y61 (Settakij Village - Chatuchak Bus Terminal), B44 (Rama IX - Suttisarn) and B45 (Ua Arthon Beung Kum - Memorial Bridge).
Land Transport Department director-general Sanith Phromwong said on Wednesday that G stands for green, R for red, Y for yellow and B for blue.
The B area covers inner suburbs of Greater Bangkok and some of its northern parts, G is for eastern and northeastern parts, R for southern and southeastern parts, and Y for southern and western parts.
“E stands for expressway,” Sanith said.
He also explained that the coloured lines on the side of the bus reflected the service area and route of the bus.
“We will also display the old bus route numbers so that it is easier for people to understand,” Sanith said.
“We will communicate with the public about the new numbering system via land transport officials, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority [BMTA] officials and PR materials.”
According to Sanith, the eight new bus routes would operate on a trial basis from 6.30am to 6.30pm between August 15 and September 15.
“The fares are the same as BMTA bus fares,” he said.
