Managing director Chaiyot Kotchapan said the Phuket-based company's test runs for the e-booking service had become popular.

"There was an increase of e-booking by 200 to 300 per cent a month. It's expected that after we officially open the service in May, it will attract more customers," he said.

The 11 companies are Counter Services, Siam First Tour, Sahapan Roi Et Tour, Praya Tour, Sri Trung Tour, Indara Tour, Khon Kaen Tour, Easy Post and Services, Krung Thai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank and Kasikornbank.

Passengers can book bus tickets though a 24-hour call centre on (02) 269 6999 or via the Internet at www.thairoute.com. They can pay for tickets at payment points, ATM machines, Easy Post and TOT customer centres nationwide.

"We expect that the modern system will help customers to make their travelling plans and ensure they have seats without going to any bus stations," Chaiyot said.

The company also plans to extend its e-booking service to cover train and air travel.

Thairoute.com has invested Bt20 million in software but expects

to get a return from tour agents joining the scheme and passengers'

fees.

It now has six tour companies as its business allies, covering bus routes to the South, North and Northeast with 200 buses per day.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation