The ceremony, held at the old provincial hall on Narisorn Rd in Phuket Town, which now serves as the main offices of the PPAO, was presided over by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, alongside PPAO President Rewat Areerob, local government officials and community leaders.
Governor Sophon expressed gratitude to the PPAO for spearheading the EV bus initiative, describing it as a transformative move for Phuket’s public transportation.
“This project demonstrates the PPAO’s dedication to promoting clean technology and sustainable development,” he said. “It supports our vision of a Smart City, enhances tourism, and positively impacts Phuket’s image on the global stage.”
The EV bus initiative aims to address key urban challenges, including traffic congestion and air pollution, while enhancing public transportation services for residents, students, elderly individuals, disabled passengers, and tourists, Governor Sophon said.
“By adopting environmentally friendly electric vehicles, the project aligns with global trends in sustainable urban mobility and reflects Phuket’s commitment to becoming a greener and more tourist-friendly destination,” he added.
PPAO President Mr Rewat emphasised the critical role of tourism in Phuket’s economy, highlighting the need for a public transportation system to support the island’s growth.
“Phuket is a globally renowned tourist city and a vital contributor to Thailand’s economy. With its rapid growth, traffic congestion has become a pressing issue,” Mr Rewat said.
“The EV bus project represents a forward-thinking solution, providing modern, efficient and safe transportation while reducing environmental impact. It’s a step toward enhancing Phuket’s appeal as a Smart City,” he added.
As part of the trial, three air-conditioned electric buses with 21 seats each operated along the Saphan Hin ‒ Central Phuket route, which is slated to become ‘Line 1’ of the service.
Residents, students, the elderly and disabled individuals were invited to experience the new service firsthand before its official launch. All the new EV buses have wheelchair access.
The PPAO has secured in total 24 new EV buses to replace the iconic pink buses, known locally as ‘Pho Thong’.
The buses will serve three routes. While ‘Line 1’ will operated to and from Saphan Hin and the Central Phuket shopping mall, ‘Line 2’ will operate between Chalong Pier and the main SuperCheap branch in Ratsada. ‘Line 3’ will operate between Rassada Pier and the Andamanda Puket Waterpark in Kathu.
“All three routes have been adjusted to be more accessible to tourist attractions, piers, schools, communities, shopping areas, and the Old Town area to meet the needs of all groups of users, including Phuket residents and tourists, Thais and foreigners,’ Mr Rewat said.
The air-conditioned electric buses promise comfort, speed and cost efficiency, and aim to reduce the number of private cars on the road, alleviate traffic problems and improve Phuket’s overall transportation infrastructure,” Mr Rewat added.
The fare on the new EV buses is B15 per person, for both Thais and foreigners.
Students, the elderly, disabled persons and monks ride for free.
“Registration for students, the elderly, the disabled, and monks will open soon,” the PPAO said in its announcement.
While no budget figures for the new buses were announced at the ‘test run’ on Monday, the PPAO confirmed in August last year that B156 million had been allocated from its 2023 budget to buy 24 air-conditioned electric vehicle (“EV”) buses to serve public routes.
CONNECTIONS
Longstanding proponent of EV buses in Phuket, ‘Phuket Smart Bus’, continues to enjoy growing popularity with its latest service, operating between the old bus station ‘Phuket Bus Terminal 1’, on Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town, and Patong.
The operator, Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD), has now launched day-pass tickets for students and regular passengers on both the Phuket Town ‒ Patong route (Route 2) and the original Phuket Airport ‒ Rawai route (Route 1), along the west coast, through Patong.
Route 1 stops at Phuket Airport, Cherng Talay, Surin Beach, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Promthep Cape and Rawai Beach.
Route 2 stops at Phuket Bus Terminal 1, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Chillva Market, Lotus’s Samkong (on the bypass road), Andamanda Phuket Waterpark, Kathu Fresh Market, Makro Patong, Malin Plaza and Patong Beach.
The new ‘Day Pass’ cards issued for the Smart Bus routes are:
Route 1: Airport - Patong - Rawai Beach
1 Day Pass ‒ B299
3 Days Pass ‒ B499
7 Days Pass ‒ B799
10 Days Pass ‒ B1,000
30 Days Pass ‒ B1,990
* This card can use together with route 2 Phuket Town - Patong
Route 2: Phuket Bus Terminal 1 - Patong
1 Day Pass ‒ B159
3 Days Pass ‒ B299
7 Days Pass ‒ B499
10 Days Pass ‒ B699
Student 30 Days Pass ‒ B790
30 Days Pass ‒ B1,590
* This card can use only route 2 Phuket Bus Terminal 1 (Phuket Town) - Patong