DLT wants seven-year cap on city bus, van concessions

The Department of Land Transport (DLT) aims to cap new concessions for city bus and van operations at seven years, Deputy Transport Minister Pichit Akrathit says.

Mr Pichit was speaking after consulting Sanit Phromwong, directorgeneral of the DLT, which serves as the new regulator for bus and van operators in Bangkok and its vicinity.

Based on the DLT reform plans for bus and van routes, Mr Pichit said operators would be granted concession licences for seven years, with conclusions on the newly drawn-up routes expected this year.

However, during the two-year transition period, operators’ existing operating licences will be revoked and replaced with a two-year licence, he said. Those whose licences have expired will be granted temporary twoyear licences.

The transition period is needed as the services cannot afford to stop running, Mr Pichit said.

According to the deputy minister, bus services principally will serve as a feeder for other transport means, such as boats and electric trains, adding the new routes will cover larger areas.

The number of bus routes will increase from 202 to 269, a rise of 20%, while the total distance of bus routes will climb from 6,437km to 7,833km, he said. Each route will be shorter.

“As we handle the issue I will try to avoid invoking special powers under Section 44 of the interim charter, and use ordinary laws,” said Mr Pichit. “I cannot say today when we will reach a conclusion about enforcing the plan but what I can say is we want it to happen this year.”

Mr Pichit said the cabinet early this year flagged five strategies needed to reform bus and van services. They are improving routes, nominating an organisation to supervise bus and van operations, getting operators ready for service, effectively regulating operators, and dealing with infrastructure.

He said the DLT will also have to set up a fund to oversee the services.