Transport Co will revise its bus routes

BANGKOK, July 10 (TNA) -- The state-run Transport Co will revise its inter-provincial bus routes to respond to a high-speed railway project and the Eastern Economic Corridor. It will also expand commercial development on its land to increase income. Transport Co President Jirasak Yaowatsakul said the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed railway project would have impacts on the bus services of his state enterprise, especially its Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima service. Transport Co might have to change its roles to feeder services connecting to the planned railway, he said. Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima buses could not complete with the railway because they were slower and fares would be close, Mr Jirasak said. For the Eastern Economic Corridor project, Transport Co would study its impacts on bus service demands, he said. Besides, Transport Co is planning new commercial development on its land plots including a 3-rai plot at Fai Chai intersection, a 10-rai plot in Pin Klao area and a 7-rai plot in Ekamai area. The state enterprise must raise income from its land plots as well as parcel delivery services due to fierce competition from other bus operators and low-cost airlines, Mr Jirasak said. At present, commercial areas generate 20% of its income and the rest 80% comes from bus services. (TNA)