Siripong has issued a policy directive to overhaul the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), instructing it to seek new revenue sources and reduce expenses. He ordered a rerouting of bus lines to align with passenger travel behavior and to accommodate 1,520 electric buses (EV). The plan includes integrating bus, rail, and boat transport, with a clear deadline of two months. Additionally, BMTA will procure about 700 new buses to replace NGV models, with a budget of 7.1 billion baht. The goal is to cut annual losses of 8 billion baht and start seeing results next year.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, said after visiting and giving policy guidance to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) that BMTA is the main agency responsible for public transportation in Bangkok and its vicinity. Currently, about 500,000 people use its services daily. However, BMTA has faced continuous accumulated losses due to fare control restrictions, changing urban structures, shifting passenger behavior, and altered route popularity.
To address these issues, the Ministry of Transport has directed BMTA to update bus routes (reroute) to better match public demand. BMTA currently holds concessions from the Department of Land Transport (DLT) for 107 routes out of a total of 269, and also operates 16 temporary routes. Passenger volumes vary unevenly across these routes.
BMTA must collaborate with the DLT to develop rerouting plans based on passenger data and electric bus charging stations under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The plan also includes connecting various transport modes—bus, rail, and boat—with a clear conclusion due within two months to align with the plan to deploy 1,520 electric buses by March 2027.
Siripong added that he emphasized BMTA to improve service quality, including driver conduct according to international standards, and to upgrade staff skills for digital transformation. BMTA is also preparing to develop a real-time passenger information system, allowing users to check accurate bus arrival times. This system will integrate data with navigation platforms like Google and other apps, aiming for readiness upon receiving the new batch of electric buses.
Currently, BMTA plans to phase out NGV-fueled buses that have been in use for over 20 years, which cost up to 2,000 baht per bus per day in maintenance. The authority has drafted a plan to acquire approximately 700 additional electric buses, with a budget around 7.1 billion baht, expected to proceed in fiscal years 2027-2028. Operating costs for electric buses are significantly lower than diesel and NGV buses. Retired buses still operable will be transferred to government or local agencies for further use.
On 28 April 2026, the Cabinet approved BMTA's 2027 fiscal budget for leasing 800 electric buses, totaling 8.13991 billion baht, to replace over 30-year-old air-conditioned diesel buses. This lease includes maintenance and charging system costs. Procurement must follow competitive bidding rules; direct leasing from any single private company is prohibited.
BMTA faces an accumulated debt of 150 billion baht and average annual losses of 8 billion baht. The Ministry of Transport plans to cut expenses by using electric buses, expecting a 40-50% reduction in costs, alongside increasing revenue from commercial space development and advertising sales. The loss reduction trend is anticipated to begin in 2027. Fare rates will be kept stable to ensure travel costs do not exceed 10-20% of the minimum wage for commuters.
, Mr. Kittikan Chomduang Jaruwarapolkul, Director of BMTA, said BMTA is preparing procurement and installation of electric bus charging stations, with designs completed, to support the delivery of 1,520 electric buses. Initially, 12 depots will be developed, including BMTA sites and areas managed by state enterprises such as the Transport Company Limited (TC), the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT).
Regarding the leasing project for 800 electric buses approved by the Cabinet on 28 April, the budget is currently being finalized for 2027. BMTA awaits feedback from the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Once the budget is approved, BMTA will expedite drafting the tender documents (TOR).
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