Bangkok, "Suriya" comes up with plans to develop a "new Bangkok Bus Terminal," a high-rise, mixed-use building. Connecting to Bangkok Apiwat Central Station Supporting seamless travel by bus - rail system following the Japanese model, upgrading the bus terminal, creating a service concept similar to an airport, creating income - making use of space. full efficiency Hoping to be a center connecting all forms of travel, convenient - fast - safe, expected to take approximately 4 years to complete, along with ordering the bus terminal to prepare to support travel during Songkran 2024. Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit The Transport Minister revealed that, as has been published, there are problems at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal in terms of the quality of platforms, escalators, lighting, signposts, travel connections, fire extinguishers and nursing rooms. Including the breastfeeding room. Recently, he ordered the Transport Company Limited (Bus Company) to expedite corrective action immediately. To make the public mass tra nsit system more convenient, fast and safe, at this time the bus station has taken steps to solve some of the problems. The only thing left is to solve the problem of the old escalator. which may take some time To achieve sustainability and have the highest level of safety. At present, the bus station is in the process of designing to be appropriate. Both in terms of number and location, including the installation of additional ventilation fans in the platform area. In addition, the Ministry of Transport Also acknowledged the problem of traveling to Mo Chit 2 bus station, which is difficult to access. and the use of space is not worthwhile Including problems with the quality of buildings, therefore guidelines have been prepared. and an action plan for solving the problems at Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal to be in line with the Ministry of Transport's policy. that has encouraged short-distance travel with a distance not exceeding 200 kilometers (km) to use a secondary transportation system (Feeder), which buses are considered a type of secondary transportation system To connect to the rail transport system at Bangkok Apiwat Central Station. which is the main system for long-distance travel With a distance of more than 200 km, according to the Ministry of Transport, high-speed rail has been developed. and double-track trains cover routes throughout the country. Mr. Suriya further said that the Ministry of Transport There is also an idea to develop a new Bangkok bus station. Because Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal is currently a "temporary" bus station, moved from the original Mo Chit, it will be developed into a high-rise building that can be conveniently connected to Bangkok Apiwat Central Station. And there are separate buildings providing services on each route, such as the Northern Route building. Northeastern Line (Isan), Southern Line, and Eastern Line As for the model for developing the new Bangkok Bus Station, It must be designed so that passengers can walk and connect between the building and Bangkok Apiwat Central Sta tion. and the skytrain conveniently which will be connected by a tunnel or covered walkway In addition, the service of the bus buses must be in the same format as the airport or must use a shared exit gate (Shared Gate) in order to use the area for maximum benefit and efficiency. The bus buses will Must come pick up passengers at the specified time. and leave the station within time So that services on other routes can continue to use the Gate. Mr. Suriya further said that the area of ??the new Bangkok Bus Station There must be no parking garage in the building area. The service vehicles will pick up and drop off passengers only on time. To solve the problem of space congestion and reduce pollution problems And the important thing is The building will be developed into Mixed Use, with the building designed for shared use, such as using the ground floor area as a bus station. and develop the upper floors into offices. Including commercial space to make money and making the most of the space, etc., including p roviding a waiting area and ticket purchasing area in the building along with signs displaying information about cars entering the various platforms in a Shared Gate style, like prototypes in other countries. In this regard, the development of a new Bangkok Bus Terminal in the future Will adopt the principle of putting public service at the center of development. and design public transportation systems To create convenience and comfort, including the development of an efficient transportation system at a cheap and appropriate price for the well-being of all sectors of the people. By such development It is expected that it will take approximately 4 years to develop and will require a relatively high investment budget. Especially regarding the acquisition of land worth more than 7,000 million baht, but it is believed that the bus station has assets to manage. and has financial liquidity to be used in development, therefore ensuring that it will not be a burden on the national budget in any way 'For the devel opment model of the new Bangkok Bus Terminal have picked up models from abroad To be used in development plans in Thailand, such as Japan at Hakata Station, which has developed a passenger station into a high-rise building. and is perfectly connected to the train station, Tokyo Station, which has developed a passenger station connected to Tokyo Station, etc.,' said Mr. Suriya. Mr. Suriya further added that During the Songkran Festival in April 2024, the Ministry of Transport has already prepared a plan to support passenger travel. Especially regarding safety Currently, the Center for Crime Suppression has been established. Including cleaning of all bathrooms. and ordered the bus company to install lighting to cover the entire area. As well as preparing to sell tickets in advance. Just like the previous New Year Festival 2024, which helped reduce crowding among the people very well.- Source: Thai News Agency