Electric Bus Trial Run on Three Routes

BANGKOK, Sept 4 (TNA) -- The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), the main operator of public transit buses within Greater Bangkok area, is tentatively operating an electric bus on three routes. BMTA deputy director-general Prayoon Choygeo said the trial run was under a Memorandum of Understanding with Thai EV Co which deployed an air-conditioned electric bus to test its service. The Thai EV bus of EV-L1 Model is 8.5 meters long and has 24 seats. It is driven by a 150kw motor. It features universal design, also capable of conveniently serving children, the elderly and people with disabilities. There is a wheelchair ramp and space for a wheelchair aboard. The test run was set for 45 days from Sept 4 to Oct 18. The bus will first run on Bang Khen-Sam Rong route and later on Don Muang-Chatuchak and Rangsit-Victory Monument routes. Mr Prayoon said the BMTA planned to buy 35 electric buses. (TNA)