Bangkok's first 40 electric public buses begin service today, said Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, adding that it marks an important shift away from polluting diesel engines.
Mr Saksayam made the announcement yesterday as he officiated at the launch of the EV buses -- operated by the Thai Smile Bus (TSB) company -- running on the new line 2-38 which replaces bus route 8.
Mr Saksayam said the move from diesel to electric power is a step in the right direction as the city looks to reduce fine dust pollution while promoting environmental sustainability.
"The procurement of EV buses will help better serve passengers and can reduce PM2.5 dust pollution and black exhaust emissions," Mr Saksayam said.
He said the ministry is aiming to procure enough EV buses to run on 237 routes in Bangkok and adjacent provinces.
Initially, the first step is the pilot route along bus route 8 which will see a service assessment conducted over a two-month period before procuring more than 5,000 EV buses to cover all city routes within three years.
"The fares will range from 15-25 baht while a starting fare of 10 baht will be offered to state welfare cardholders until at least the year's end," he said.
Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, TSB chief executive officer, said 153 EV buses have been prepared for the first phase, 40 of which will be used initially while the balance will also be deployed this month.
This month, EV buses will run on route 2-38 (formerly 8) from Happy Land-Saphan Phut section, and then route 1 on the Rama III-Tha Tien pier section, route 82 on the Phra Pra Daeng pier-Banglamphu section, route 34 on the Bang Khen-Phaholyothin-Hua Lamphong section and route 17 on the Phra Pra Daeng-Victory Monument section.