Chiang Mai launched air-con bus to help ease traffic

CHIANG MAI, April 23 (TNA) -- Thailand's northern Chiang Mai province has launched a new public air-conditioned bus which connects Baan Kwan Wiang village with the city centre, charging only 20 baht for the whole trip, with an aim to encourage people to turn to use more public transportation to help reduce crowded traffic. Official from the Chiang Mai Transport Office Charnchai Keelapang, the military, police, and public jointly launched the new bus route, Por Aor 10, which is an air-conditioned bus with capacity for 21 passengers. The bus would begin its round trip from Baan Kwan Wiang village in Hang Dong district and drives into the city centre, passing the Chiang Mai International Airport, shopping malls, then go around the city moat, passing though Waroros market, before turning back onto Chang Klan and Don Chai roads, heading pass the Chiang Mai Gate market then back to the airport before finally arriving back at the village. Passengers taking this bus would be charged only 20 baht for the whole trip, while students and monks would be charged only 15 baht. The bus is set to leave the first stop every 10 minutes, where the city would be operating 8 buses between 5.30 am to 10 pm. daily. The objective of the new bus route is to facilitate more conveniences in traveling for local residents and tourists around city, while encouraging all to reduce the use of personal vehicle and turn to use public transportation to help relieve traffic congestion and air pollution in the city centre. If more passengers are interested in using the bus, the bus schedule would be adjusted to leaving every 5 minutes instead to cater to higher demands. (TNA)