Fancy new buses to be introduced by state to compete with low-cost airlines

The government-run Transport Company announced an overhaul of its bus services that they hope will allow them to better compete with cheap domestic airlines that have increasingly lured away travelers that, in the past, would have taken the bus to their destination.

A source said that the Transport Company hopes to introduce services that aren’t provided by the low-cost airlines to give themselves a competitive edge. The planned amenities will include free food and drink, onboard wi-fi, mobile charging ports, reclining seats and an automatic chair massage system.

The newly-introduced 4-year restructuring plan calls for the rental of 400 new buses equipped with these conveniences.

Another common complaint about bus travel in the country is safety issues. This new plan intends to address these issues as well by introducing a safety system. That means drivers must take a break every four hours.

Supposedly, in these new buses, the ignition key won’t start the engine unless the bus has been turned off for a bit.

The new buses will be put into circulation on four main routes: Bangkok-Mae Sot, Bangkok-Phuket, Bangkok-Nakhon Phanom and Bangkok-Chiang Mai. Two buses will travel each route in the beginning.

Besides the new buses, the bus agency might be planning to sell their Ekkamai bus terminal and relocate to Bang Na, reported Thai PBS.

The Transport Company has seen a 30 percent drop in passengers this year and does not expect to have a good financial year. They hope these new services will repair that.

 


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