Hybrid bus being tested on Bangkok roads
A TEST run of newly-introduced hybrid bus took place around Sanam Luang today after which it was moved to operate on the Ramkhamhaeng-Ratchadaphisek route for five months.
Transport Minister Arkom Termpittayapaisith and Deputy Transport Minister Aomsin Cheewapruek checked the performance of the hybrid bus which was then sent to run on route 137 from June 16, 2016 to November 15, 2016 at 11 to 23 baht fare rate.
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will also run this hybrid bus on ten other Bangkok routes for 15 days a time with the usual fare being charged. Performance of this new type of public vehicle will be assessed on daily basis and the data used in considering whether or not to purchase it in future. The price is at least 8 million baht a vehicle.
A hybrid bus runs on both diesel and electric systems and this one, which was imported from Japan where it has been in use for over a decade, is 10.5 meters long and has 26 seats with standing room for 40 to 50 people.
This bus can also accommodate disabled people on wheelchairs because it has four rows of foldable seats, an area where two wheelchairs could be attached to as well as ramps.
The hybrid engine uses electric power when the bus stops in traffic jams and switches back to using diesel when moving again. This reduces fuel consumption by 30%.
By Voravit Wiroontanawong
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