"Akom" is pleased as the plan to receive 489 NGV buses is on track to be completed by March 2019. He aims to propose a review of the new bus procurement plan to the Cabinet in January next year, following the Prime Minister's support for local component manufacturers.

 

Mr. Akom Termpithayapaisith, Minister of Transport, revealed that by March 2019, the delivery of 489 NGV buses will be completed, in accordance with the established plan for procuring the first batch of air-conditioned buses as part of the rehabilitation plan that utilizes various energy sources. The next phase of bus procurement involves a total of 2,188 buses, including projects for leasing hybrid buses, leasing NGV buses, and purchasing electric buses (EVs), as well as refurbishing old buses. This is currently under review by the Cabinet. It is expected that the rehabilitation plan will be proposed to the Cabinet by January 2019, after which the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will proceed with the procurement processes for each project. I am confident that the projects will not be delayed and will adhere to the new bus procurement framework over the next five years.

 

Mr. Akom continued that for the buses to be procured in 2019, the program will start with hybrid and electric buses, as Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha has emphasized domestic production, with some companies already manufacturing over 60% of their components locally. Therefore, work will be distributed among various manufacturers, ensuring that local operators also benefit from the new bus models.

 

Mr. Suradech Thaveesangskulthai, CEO of Cho Thavee Public Company Limited (CHO), provided an update on the delivery of air-conditioned buses powered by natural gas (NGV), stating that preparations are underway to deliver the third batch of 50 buses on December 27, which will bring the total to 300 buses. The final batch of 189 buses is expected to be delivered on March 14-15, 2019, and is currently being produced in China, with an anticipated arrival in Thailand by late January 2019. The assembly of components such as engines and air conditioning systems is planned for February, followed by delivery to the BMTA as scheduled.

 

Regarding revenue recognition, the company has begun recognizing sales revenue from the first batch of buses, with each bus priced at approximately 3.8 million baht. Maintenance revenue is recognized at a profit margin of 20%. For the first five years, maintenance costs are estimated at 925 baht per bus per day, increasing to approximately 1,730 baht per bus per day for years six to ten. The company is committed to maintaining all 489 buses in good working condition for ten years. Maintenance and repair work for the buses will be conducted in operational areas 1, 2, 3, and 5, with a maintenance and repair plan being developed concurrently. Additionally, discussions regarding the cancellation of the cash box installation contract are expected to take place early next year.

 

Mr. Prayuth Chuaikaew, Acting Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), commented on the fare increase in accordance with the resolution of the Central Land Transport Board to raise BMTA and joint service bus fares by 1 baht. Currently, the BMTA charges 6.50 baht for regular buses (non-air-conditioned), which is expected to increase to 8-9 baht, not exceeding the maximum fare cap of 10 baht.

 

However, for air-conditioned buses, the BMTA plans to increase fares from the current range of 11-23 baht to 13-25 baht. For NGV buses, the fare will be adjusted based on distance, increasing from 11-23 baht to 15-25 baht. Initially, the BMTA may implement a gradual fare increase or start with the lowest rates to minimize the impact on the public. A conclusion is expected to be reached before January 21, 2019.

 

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