BANGKOK, Nov 23 – The state-run Transport Co will increase upcountry-bound buses from Bangkok by almost 25 per cent at the Dec 28-31 to cope with increasing numbers of New Year’s holiday travelers and family members returning home during the festive season, it was announced today.
Wuthichart Kalyanamitra, president of the Transport Co, said the normal 23,000-plus provincial buses scheduled on Dec 28-31 will be increased to more than 28,000 in order to serve a projected 752,000 passengers. Friday Dec 28 will likely be the peak outbound day while travelers will gradually return to Bangkok between Dec 31 and Jan 3.
Mr Wuthichart was reporting the situation to Deputy Transport Minister Prasert Janruang-thong who visited the Transport Co today to discuss additional service for bus commuters during next month’s New Year’s holiday period.
He expressed confidence that the increased bus service will be sufficient to serve outbound and inbound passengers who can book their tickets 60 days in advance through a 24-hour call centre number at Telephone 1490.
Mr Wuthichart said security will be boosted at the Transport Co’s central bus terminal at Chatuchak by installing 12 more closed-circuit cameras while security guards will be on duty at all bus terminals operated by the company.
Traffic police will set up alcohol and drug inspection units at bus terminals to check bus drivers before taking the wheel, he said.
