Trams out, buses in for thrifty Phuket
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published : 15 May 2021 at 09:00
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Phuket has swapped its planned tram system for an automated rapid transit (ART) bus system and saved 15 billion baht in the process.
The Transport Ministry says the chosen system will be ready nine months earlier and cheaper for passengers to use.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said a meeting to discuss public transport plans for Phuket had agreed on two options.
The first option would see the new bus system built before the Kathu-Patong expressway and they would be completed, as planned, in 2026 and 2028 respectively but with a heavy impact on the island s traffic flow during that time.
Phuket ‘smart bus’ considered to replace light rail, save B15.2bn
Phuket ‘smart bus’ considered to replace light rail, save B15.2bn
PHUKET: Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has ordered an in-depth analysis of a proposal to dump the Phuket light-rail project in favour of a ‘smart bus’ system that would reduce the cost of launching a mass transport option on the island by some B15.2 billion.
Image: MRTA
The order came yesterday (May 13) during a teleconference Mr Saksayam held to follow up the progress of transport projects in regional main provinces, reports state news agency MCOT.
Mr Saksayam explained that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has proposed to change the type of transport system to be rolled out in Phuket from light rail to a bus-based operation.
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Court asks for Orange Line bid files
published : 16 Mar 2021 at 04:44
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The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has asked the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to submit a number of documents which the court will need to consider the complaint filed by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) relating to bidding for the Orange Line s western extension.
BTSC, which operates the BTS Skytrain and the Bangkok BRT, is currently pursuing a legal case against the MRTA over its decision to cancel the bidding for the Orange Line s western extension, after a dispute over bidding terms.
Rail projects need reform
published : 13 Mar 2021 at 04:00
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The legal dispute between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BTS Group over the bidding for the western extension of the Orange Line is getting nasty to the point that the government needs to step in to bolster trust in the state project.
In this latest wrangle, BTS Group one of the bidders for the 120-billion-baht Orange Line last October went to the Administrative Court seeking an injunction, after the MRTA abruptly revised the judging criteria despite bidding envelopes having already been sold. On Feb 22, the company filed a complaint with the Criminal Court accusing the MRTA of dereliction of duty.