The chairman of the Transport Company confirms that there will be no relocation of the bus terminal back to the old Mo Chit, negotiating with the State Railway of Thailand to reduce the rental area to 58 rai to cut costs while waiting for the rail connection after the Bang Sue Grand Station – Red Line.

On July 27, 2020, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport and Chairman of the Transport Company Limited (Bor.Kor.Sor.), revealed that he discussed with Mr. Saksayam Chidchob, Minister of Transport, regarding the plan to relocate the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) or Mo Chit 2 back to the old Mo Chit terminal, which is currently a maintenance center for the BTS electric trains.

The discussion concluded that Mo Chit 2 should remain in its current location, as it would benefit the public by providing more convenient travel without incurring additional costs. It will allow for connections to the rail system and various public transport options surrounding the Bang Sue Grand Station. The Transport Company can negotiate with the State Railway of Thailand to manage the rental area, reducing it from the current 73 rai to 58 rai, and will collaborate to develop this bus terminal into a modern transportation hub for the country. Initial discussions on this new contract have already been held with Mr. Nirut Maneepun, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, who is in principle in agreement.

If Mo Chit 2 remains in its current location, plans are being prepared to facilitate travel for the public in two phases: the first phase involves the Transport Company signing an MOU with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to rent electric buses (EVs) that are pollution-free to serve as shuttle buses around the station. The second phase includes the construction of a skywalk connecting Mo Chit 2 to the Bang Sue Grand Station, covering a distance of 800 meters. All these plans will be discussed in the Transport Company's board meeting for preliminary approval.

Subsequently, the acting managing director of the Transport Company will write to the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand before reporting to the Ministry of Transport to facilitate negotiations among all three parties, with the Ministry of Transport serving as the central agency for further consideration. After that, all three agencies will proceed with the implementation.

SOURCE : www.bangkokbiznews.com