BMTA workers protest at Govt House

At least 3,000 bus drivers and fare collectors of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) on Tuesday morning rallied at Government House in protest against the proposal to grant concessions on 155 routes to private bus operators.

The protesters led by BMTA labour union chairman Sanan Boon-ngok has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva calling for a written confirmation by the government that there will be no such granting of the routes’ concession.

“If the government agrees to grant the concessions to private bus operators as reported, more than 10,000 employees of BMTA will lose their jobs,” Mr Sanan said.

He said passengers would not be  much affected by the demonstration as only some of the BMTA drivers and fare collectors joined the morning rally.

“But if the government fails to comply with our demand before noon, a real strike will take place and all BMTA buses will stop running,” he said.

The cabinet will this morning consider the recommendation on the 4,000 NGV buses project made by Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board.

It was reported that the NESDB also recommended that the concessions on 155 routes be offered to private operators  to cut the BMTA's operating losses.