Authority clarifies relocation of Bangkok's main bus terminal

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) - The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has clarified a plan to relocate "Mo Chit", Bangkok's main inter-provincial bus terminal back to its previous site, stressing on a long-term vision. OTP issued a statement on June 18, explaining four reasons behind its decision on relocating the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in the capital from the existing site on Kampaengpetch 2 Road back to its previous place near the Chatuchak (จตุจักร) Weekend Market. OTP said firstly, the relocation of the Mo Chit Bus Terminal back to the previous place is based on a cost-effectiveness assessment, as the construction of a new inter-provincial bus facility needs a high state budget in its feasibility study and construction, apart from a time consuming process. Secondly, the relocation of the Mo Chit Bus Terminal back to its previous site is in line with the government's land transport and urban development master plan and in line with the city planning master plan of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), as the previous site of the Mo Chit Bus Terminal is connected with Bangkok's electric train and public bus systems. Thirdly, the previous site of the Mo Chit Bus Terminal, which is the central maintenance hub of Bangkok's skytrain system, is large enough to cater for a massive number of inter-provincial bus passengers because a total area of 110,000 square kilometers has been reserved to be the inter-provincial bus facility for the public, while its existing place has been well-planned for the utilization of other agencies. Lastly, the previous site of the Mo Chit Bus Terminal is well-equipped with utility and information technology (IT) facilities, while also being compliant with both the Ministries of Transport and Finance's joint development plan. The OTP's clarification followed a vocal criticism from academics for its inappropriateness in terms of its, probably, broad negative impact on the public and long-term traffic problems in the previous area and its vicinity. (TNA)