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Published on October 5, 2007

Operators on Bangkok and inter-provincial routes yesterday parked more than 100 buses in front of the ministry and dispersed only after officials confirmed that the issue would be considered at the committee's meeting on Tuesday.

Bangkok bus operators have demanded a Bt2 increase on the current flat fare of Bt8, and a distance-linked Bt2 increase for air-conditioned buses. Operators of inter-provincial buses want an increase of 3 satang per kilometre.

Chatchai Chaiviset, president of the association of private bus operators, said that the current fares were based on a diesel price of Bt23.50-Bt24.71 per litre, whereas the current price was Bt27.34.

"Bus operators have shouldered the difference. The actual operating cost of non-air-conditioned buses is Bt9.80, but we charge only Bt8. Meanwhile, the average cost for air-conditioned buses is Bt18, but the starting fare is only Bt11," Chatchai said.

Silpachai Jarukasemratana, the director-general of the Land Transport Department, promised bring the issue to the committee on October 9.