Public buses go the extra mile

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FLOODING

Specially adapted BMTA vehicles plough through flooded streets to help those in need

Published: 12/11/2011 at 02:51 AM
Newspaper section: News

Bangkok passenger buses have made a big difference to flood victims' lives in the past month, as they depart from their usual routes to take flood victims to shelters and in some cases even to their homes.

The special service provided by the state-run Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) at the request of the government's Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) has continued even as private buses and passenger vans have delayed services while waiting for the floods to subside.

"The government assigns the BMTA to carry people from flooded areas to shelters and serve people in flooded communities which small vehicles cannot reach," said BMTA director Opas Phetmunee. "If the BMTA was not providing the service, the public would be in deep trouble."

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About the author

: Writer: Amornrat Mahitthirook; Position: Reporter

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deville
Post : 19
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Discussion 8 : 12/11/2011 at 08:07 PM8
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Think in how many ways the current service and would deteriorate and how much it would slow traffic if the BMA introduces buses without bus conductors - as most Transport Ministers talk of doing. And thanks for providing a very good service in difficult circumstances to myself and millions of others - for the past 20 years in my case.
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aj_donald
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Discussion 7 : 12/11/2011 at 02:24 PM7
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My heart and sincere thanks and gratitude go out to the Thai police, Thai, military, Thai citizens, volunteers, truck drivers and business owners near the intersection Jarunsanitwong Soi 13 for their help driving people through 1-meter high flood water, give us drinking water and a white box of some noodle (aroi). There are no taxis or red songtaos etc. because of the flood situation. Thanks a lot!
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fungus
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Discussion 6 : 12/11/2011 at 01:57 PM6
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D1 too funny. Yes, the flood water covers the huge black clouds of smoke that normally billow out of the bus exhaust pipes on a dry road. All the cars in BKK have modern emissions systems and most taxis run on propane. So where does all of the dirty air come from? BMTA's ancient, but seaworthy bus fleet?
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dao
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Discussion 5 : 12/11/2011 at 11:27 AM5
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The Hino red buses are build to last .The new Chinese buses that are making their way into the fleet are cheap garbage .I cant count how many Ive seen broken down on the side of the road already .Bangkok buses have to be very tough to put up with the extreme heat and traffic .I hope they can get some new Hino buses or some other quality company .Xinghozhong isnt a name that comes to mind when I think of quality .
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Kanadian
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Discussion 4 : 12/11/2011 at 10:53 AM4
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cassie, do you work for the BMTA ? I have lived on ladprao for years and the drivers are crazy, the buses need major repair work !
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ianprince
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Discussion 3 : 12/11/2011 at 09:29 AM3
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Beware, the BMTA buses in the flooded area are NOT free.
Better wait for the army trucks, which are better and free.
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cassie
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Discussion 2 : 12/11/2011 at 08:18 AM2
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In the 10 years I've lived in Bangkok I've NEVER had a complaint about the BMTA. They always do an amazing job. Buses operate on time, they're clean and well taken care of, and they keep fares low and affordable.

But..... during the floods the BMTA have really gone the extra mile and everyone who's been able to take a bus through flooded water should be thanking them.

I've taken BMTA buses several times since my area (Vibhavadi-Pahonyothin) flooded last week and they've been a godsend. I'll always support the BMTA, just like they've always supported me and the people who live in my area.

To the dear BMTA, as long as I live in Bangkok, you have one farang you can count on to use your services every day. You're wonderful!
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Victor
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Discussion 1 : 12/11/2011 at 07:53 AM1
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BMTA buses may not be roadworthy, but they're surely deserved to get the seaworthiness certificate.
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Public buses go the extra mile | Bangkok Post: news