The state-owned operator of interprovincial bus services has been instructed to buy 50-60 microbuses to be put in service primarily on four routes in a pilot move to gradually replace passenger vans currently in operation with microbuses.
In addition to running its own buses, The Transport Co hires companies to complement the services and manages the operation.
Deputy Transport Minister Pichit Akarathit said it is difficult for the private operators of some 4,000 passenger vans, which have signed a contract with the Transport Company, to immediately replace their vehicles with microbuses.
About 50% of the van operators are not yet ready financially, he said.
The Transport Co will take measures gradually replace all vans with microbuses such as by finding financial sources for the van operators to buy new microbuses or extending the concession contracts for those who are able to do so.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said stricter safety measures will be imposed during the transition period.
Registration of new vans to operate as a public transport will no longer be allowed. All existing passenger vans in operation will be required to be fitted with a global positioning system (GPS) by March 31. Passenger vans which are over seven years old will have to be replaced by microbuses.
He said over time these measures will gradually reduce the number of passenger vans.
Nopparat Karunyawanich, deputy president of the Transport Company for operations, said the microbuses to be bought as instructed by the Transport Ministry will serve four routes -- Bangkok-Ayutthaya, Bangkok-Saraburi, Bangkok-Aranyaprathet and Bangkok-Trat.