Bangkok: The cabinet has given the green light for the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to transition from an earlier plan to purchase 3,183 NGV buses to a new project involving the lease of 1,520 electric buses. This initiative, with an investment budget of 15,355 million baht, is expected to significantly reduce pollution levels in Bangkok over a period of 7 years.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak, the deputy government spokesman, announced that the BMTA has been directed to execute this project from the budget allocated for the years 2025-2032. Furthermore, the BMTA is tasked with considering inputs from the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), the Budget Bureau, and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to ensure the successful implementation of the electric bus leasing project.
Mr. Anukul outlined that the project is projected to generate an estimated income of 52,654 million baht through various revenue streams, including fare and advertising revenue. The estimated expenses, which include rental fees for the buses and electric charging stations, are expected to amount to 32,798 million baht. The initiative is anticipated to yield a net profit of 19,855 million baht throughout its duration.