According to City Hall, the new models provide better climate protection and safety.
PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 17: 49
Following accusations of improper design for sun and rain protection, as well as seating capacity, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has defended the transparency of a bus shelter procurement project.
The BMA plans to secure two versions: one measuring 2.3 by 3 feet with seating capacity for three and a price of around 230, 000 rmb, and another calculating 2.3m by 6m that can seat up to six people and may charge 320, 000 baht.
However, some critics have questioned the shelters ‘ functionality, saying weather protection and seating are inadequate.
Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, a spokesman for BMA, responded on Tuesday by saying the designs must adhere to pedestrian safety guidelines to prevent the shelters from blocking paths or preventing foot traffic.
He claimed that 90 units have been installed and fully constructed so far.
Thirty were procured under the 2023 fiscal budget and the other 60 under the 2024 budget. An additional 29 units are under construction, using the 2024 fiscal budget.
For the 2025 fiscal year, a budget to install 300 more units has been approved.
Sithiporn Somkitsan, director of the BMA’s Traffic and Transportation Department, said the construction budget covers the relocation of utilities, reinforced concrete foundations, steel frame assembly, metal sheet roofing, gutters, benches, lighting systems and electricity connections.
He claimed that the construction cost is in line with government procurement laws and that the cost would be further slashed through electronic bidding.
To make accessibility accessible to everyone in the public, including those with disabilities, the project was developed under the umbrella of a universal design concept.
With large roofs and clear acrylic back panels to prevent visual obstructions or security gaps, the bus shelters are constructed to be durable and provide rain protection.
Public transport development, such as adding new bus stops and real-time bus tracking information, is under way to encourage more people to use public transport, he said.
The Traffy Fondue Line account or the BMA hotline ( 1555 ) are available for reporting problems with the shelters.