Bangkok, Thai Smile Group is preparing to launch low-cost electric buses or “orange EV hot buses” in the first phase, running on 10 routes. 60 cars, fare 10 baht throughout the line, to reduce costs for the people.
Miss Kulphonphat Wongmacharaphinya Chief Executive Officer of Thai Smile Group said: Preparing to open the service of affordable electric buses or "orange EV buses" which is in line with government policy. There is a policy that the private sector who receives a license Procurement must be made to have a hot car. Providing services to people in the Bangkok area and provinces with continuous areas to reduce the cost burden The company has procured a total of 60 vehicles to enhance access to mass transit services to cover more areas. In the first phase, service will be provided on 10 routes. After that, the feedback will be studied in order to further develop the service. future With a fare of 10 baht throughout the line in accordance with the license requirements of the Department of Land Transport, service will begin on 6 November.
It is considered that people use hot car services much less because of the hot weather in Thailand. Therefore, we want people to have an equal opportunity to use air-conditioned buses. The government sector can subsidize part of the fare for low-income people, such as: Through the state welfare card Currently, Thai Group Smile has a total of 123 service routes, increasing the number of vehicles serving the public from 800 at the beginning of the year. 2022 has already increased to more than 2,200 cars, resulting in the number of service users continuing to increase from the previous average of more than 300,000 people/day, in line with the increased number of cars and service rounds. It shows the expected growth trend. It will continue to increase as more people turn to public transportation that is powered by clean energy.
Meanwhile, the company Increased frequency, increased number of cars, increased number of rounds. Until extending the running time to 24 hours on 4 routes, as for the long-term plan Via Thai Smile Bus There are plans to expand services in a variety of formats. including running the car on the current license route and expansion of feeder services to connect transportation both cars-boats-rails It also increases services for various customer groups. In the next year, I believe There will be an additional 3,100 cars coming into service as planned. It is expected that there will be an average of more than 500,000 passengers/day.
However, the CEO of Thai Smile Group admitted that he was aware of the opinions of service users. that may still encounter inconvenience in some parts The company has listened and has continued to make corrections, such as TSB's electric buses not stopping to pick up passengers and running in the right lane. The company has invested in building a comprehensive training center. To create a new generation of "Captain Mail" drivers to provide service with higher standards. It also adjusts employee income benefits to be consistent with their behavior. In addition, the company has started experimenting with the Fleet management system, which is a system used to control bus operations that can check stop entry, speed, and the number of passengers on the vehicle. to examining the behavior of drivers and service employees Therefore, please be confident that TSB's services will be improved. Develop services to be better in every dimension.
For paying fares It has designed a system for users to be able to pay fares both in the form of a HOP Card that will receive the benefits of Daily Max Fair, unlimited travel for only 40 baht throughout the line, as well as paying in the form of cash. In terms of development, Thai Smile Boat has added a new 19 meter electric passenger boat, which is a 100% clean energy catamaran, which is physically different from the company's previous boats. With a more compact size and flexibility. Suitable for navigating the Chao Phraya River route in all weather conditions, even during high tide. Currently, 9 ships have been added, resulting in the company having a total service fleet of 35 ships, which will serve the Urban and City Line routes first in the first phase. Then it will be extended to the Metro Line route according to the needs of passengers on each route. Create convenience for travelers Especially during rush hours, it is expected that the service frequency can be increased to every 7-10 minutes, as well as being able to provide services to corporate customers such as charter Running along the route feed Or a tour boat as well.
Source: Thai News Agency