Public bus systems for all 29 airports across Thailand will be established next year, says Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.
Various parties which will be involved in the move signed an agreement yesterday. They include the Department of Airports, the Department of Land Transport, the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads. According to Mr Arkhom, the new bus systems will be based on public bus services currently running at Khon Kaen airport. The Khon Kaen city buses, in service since February last year, connect the province’s airport to its metropolitan area. Khon Kaen airport’s bus system uses air-conditioned NGV buses, and feature free Wi-Fi services and GPS tracking systems to track the vehicles’ proximity to stations. Khon Kaen airport’s buses are also easily accessible by the disabled and elderly. “The most basic mode of transport that we can provide now is public bus services,” Mr Arkhom said. “Once a proper foundation for these systems has been established, we can then look towards connecting railways to airports too.” DOA director-general Darun Sangchai wants to see new bus systems established at larger airports, namely in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Surat Thani. Bangkok Post
