BMTA tries electric bus in Bangkok

BANGKOK, Aug 17 (TNA) -- The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) tentatively deploys an electric bus before deciding on its future bus procurement to replace old ones. Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn said the electric bus from South Korea would run on six routes in Bangkok and the results of the trial run would facilitate the BMTA’s detailed plan on its procurement of electric buses in the future. The cost of electric buses was lower than that of gas-fueled buses and the BMTA planned to acquire hybrid and electric buses, Mr Pailin said. He assured that the BMTA would no longer order gas-fueled buses. Findings from the test run will be concluded early next year. The deputy transport minister expected an initial assessment report in a month. Acting BMTA director Prayoon Chuaikaeo said the state enterprise would have its complete fleet of hybrid and electric buses in four years. According to him, the test run will be conducted on an electric bus of Edison Motors Co from South Korea. The trial was set from August to next March. Officials will study its energy consumption and performances. The bus, 11 meters long with 23 seats, was designed to be friendly to the elderly and people with disabilities including those using wheelchairs. (TNA)