Private bus firms blast Pongsapat plan | Bangkok Post: news

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Private bus firms blast Pongsapat plan

Published: 28 Jan 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Private bus operators oppose Bangkok governor candidate Pongsapat Pongcharoen's policy to expand the city's free bus services, saying jobs will be put at risk.

Bangkok governor candidate Kosit Suvinijjit rides a bicycle with his daughter Nitchayada as he campaigns for votes at Rot Fai Park in Chatuchak district yesterday. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL

Pol Gen Pongsapat, who is running in the March 3 election for the Pheu Thai Party, has proposed extending the existing free bus scheme to encompass all state-run services bar air-conditioned buses.

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jacksprat
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Discussion 6 : 29 Jan 2013 at 10.386
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"when people get used to commute using the public transport system." Just what do you think people have been doing for the past 80+ years?
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siamitude
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Discussion 5 : 28 Jan 2013 at 16.505
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General public interest must prevail over particular interest. Transports ministry is one of the most corrupt, this must change.
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boontong
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Discussion 4 : 28 Jan 2013 at 10.404
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Good, PTP sponsored candidate dare to come out with the 'unpopular' that challenge the old 'established'. However, I think non-air-con buses should gradually phase out when people get used to commute using the public transport system. With AEC 2015 fast approaching, the infrastructure of our public transport system needs to improve to meet changing needs. Good to know the central government is working on the transport infrastructure.
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bikeme
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Discussion 3 : 28 Jan 2013 at 09.333
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Rather than increasing the number of free buses, they should make all buses fare based and the same quality. Then offer a monthly pass system, with free passes based on financial need. Take the funds from selling passes, plus subsidy money for free passes, then divide it evenly amongst all the bus companies based on bus-hours. With all the cheap gsm gps devices it will be quite easy to monitor the times buses are actually in service to assure fair payment.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 2 : 28 Jan 2013 at 08.172
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As it is now, I see many Thais waiting for a free bus rather than pay 7 baht. This definitely would be the end of the privately owned buses. Does the policeman plan to buy more buses to replace their lost numbers? The private buses only exist because there aren't enough government buses.
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ricefield
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Discussion 1 : 28 Jan 2013 at 04.181
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Anyone at the Post bother to check to see who the bus firms supported in the last election?
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