More than 56,000 people return to Bangkok from Songkran exodus in public vehicles
A total of 56,806 passengers used public vehicles (interprovincial buses and vans) to return from the provinces to Bangkok on 3,364 trips on Monday, the state-run interprovincial bus operator Transport Company reported on Tuesday.
April 15 is the last day of the Songkran Festival, also known as Thai traditional new year, when many Thais travel to their home towns for family reunions.
The company also recorded 6,689 outbound trips made on public vehicles on Monday, with some 43,189 passengers heading upcountry. This means that on Monday nearly 100,000 passengers were using the services of interprovincial buses and vans.
Transport Co acting president Atthawit Rakjamroon said that this year the company prepared additional buses and vans to facilitate people travelling to their home towns and back, as well as those visiting tourist attractions during the long break, which started on April 12.
“The target is to ensure convenient, safe, and seamless travel for all, with no passengers left behind at bus terminals,” he said.
He added that all public vehicles on inbound trips to Bangkok will stop at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station first to allow passengers to connect to other public transport routes, thus reducing the crowds at bus terminals.
Passengers can catch trains at the station, formerly known as Bang Sue Grand Station, namely the MRT Blue Line and urban train Red Line. Several city buses under the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority also either pass through or terminate at the station.
Transport Co also organised a free shuttle bus service in front of Bangkok Bus Terminal in Chatuchak district (Mor Chit 2), running to BTS stations from 4am to 7pm on Monday to facilitate passengers returning to the city.
Atthawit added that the company offers a 20% special discount for passengers who buy inbound bus and van tickets for trips from April 22-24 in a bid to encourage travelling off peak days after Songkran. This promotion is available via e-ticket mobile application only. For more information, contact call centre 1490.
