The Ministry of Transport on Monday floated the idea of designating bus lanes on certain roads in a bid to combat traffic congestion which has been blamed for causing rising levels of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants in Bangkok.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said further details are being looked at before the proposal is submitted to the cabinet some time in April.
Mr Saksayam, who came up with the proposal, said he was inspired by South Korea, where buses travel in special lanes and pick up and/or drop off passengers at bus stops located on traffic islands instead of pavements.
"This will help reduce traffic jams as it will eliminate buses having to cut across lanes to pick up or drop off passengers," he said, without elaborating.
He said the Office of Transport, Traffic Policy and Planning is looking at which roads could and should get a bus lane.
Among the thoroughfares being studied are New Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, Rama IV and Rama VI roads.
The study is expected to be completed in about a month and the results will be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, who chairs the Land Traffic Management committee, for consideration in April, he said.
Also yesterday, Mr Saksayam took part in an event aimed at teaching vehicle owners to check their emission levels.
"[Emissions] from public buses, trucks and cars should be routinely checked," he said.
In the long run, the minister said operators of public buses should be looking at cleaner alternatives, such as hybrid electric vehicles.
"Bus routes should also be adjusted to prevent 'lane confusion' which causes congestion in the city," he said.