State-run Transport Company will propose that the executive committee procures 54 electric vehicle (EV) minibuses on the rental basis to hide five interprovincial routes, according to Managing Director Sanyalak Panwattanalikit.
He revealed yesterday that the plan for a five-year agreement is worth 800 mil baht and will be proposed to the company’s table at the end of this 30 days. The buses are usually each equipped with 21-30 seats and will provide five key routes during the beginning of their operation.
Mr Sanyalak stated that if the board approves the proposal, Transport Co will set up the terms of reference for digital bidding.
The procurement process can take six to eight weeks and the company will acquire the mini ELECTRONIC VEHICLES buses by the end associated with next September, which usually marks the end from the fiscal year, this individual added.
He said the particular routes will not surpass 300 kilometres, covering the provinces around Bangkok.
In addition to the Bangkok-Saraburi route, the other four will work out of Rangsit in the north of Bangkok to Burapha University, Laem Chabang seaport and Bowin industrial estate — most of in Chon Buri — and to Map Ta Phut commercial estate in Rayong, according to Mr Sanyalak.
The particular project aims to boost transportation options from Bangkok to the Far eastern Economic Corridor Advancement (EEC) zone.
Transport Company is looking to offer more mini EV buses across the country covering distances of lower than 600km from Bangkok. However , the main issue is whether there are sufficient charging stations as you go along.
Mister Sanyalak said diesel powered buses are still needed on long-distance paths due to their lower operating costs.
Transport Co offers 257 buses in service, 151 of which are owned by the corporation while the rest are leased. All rental contracts end the coming year.
Mister Sanyalak said the mini EV buses will replace some rented diesel-run busses.
The master plan is to provide at least 100 buses to substitute vehicles in the existing routes.