Testing Taxi Boats on Klongs and Chao Phraya River; App-Based Service Expected to Launch by Year-End
Source: Naewna Website
Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 06:31
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is testing taxi boats on tourist canals, with plans to launch the service by the end of the year. The service, which will be accessible through an app, aims to provide fair pricing.
Mr. Torsak Chotimongkol, Chief Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, updated on the progress of the taxi boat project. The project has been assigned to Krungthep Thanakom Co., Ltd. Following a survey of various canals, it was found that only Khlong Saen Saep is under the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, while other canals are managed by BMA. Currently, BMA has prepared two electric boats and is selecting pilot canal routes. A challenge is the varying water levels in the canals, which can hinder navigation. Coordination with the Department of Drainage is required to manage water gate schedules, and environmental conditions along the canals need improvement. Furthermore, clear docking points need to be established.
Krungthep Thanakom Co., Ltd. has procured and tested two electric boats in the canals of Phra Nakhon and Thonburi to set up charging points and align the routes with tourist attractions. This process is expected to take two months. Afterward, BMA will allow interested private entities to operate the boats, with regulated fare prices to ensure affordability. The Traffic and Transport Department plans to introduce taxi boats on the Chao Phraya River, using a different type of boat. All taxi boats will be available via an app, with the official launch expected by year-end.
BMA also aims to offer boat travel as an alternative mode of transportation. The Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem route will connect to the MRT Hua Lamphong station, and the Khlong Saen Saep route will extend from Min Buri District to Wat Sriboonreung, facilitating travel to Ramkhamhaeng, Pratunam, or Phanfah Bridge. The Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem electric boat route will cover Phra Nakhon, Dusit, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, and Pathum Wan districts, with 11 piers: 1. Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier 2. Hua Lamphong Pier 3. Nopphawong Pier 4. Yotse Pier 5. Ministry of Energy Pier 6. Lan Luang Intersection Pier 7. Nakhon Sawan Pier 8. Outer Ratchadamnoen Pier 9. Democracy Pier 10. Thewet Pier and 11. Thewarat Market Pier. Services will operate Monday-Friday during 06:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00 at 20-minute intervals, and on weekends and public holidays from 08:00-19:00 at hourly intervals. Boat positions can be tracked via the Viabus app, which can be downloaded for free at http://ow.ly/JNpb50Oc8EQ. In addition to connecting with major transport systems, these boats also offer a scenic tour of Bangkoks canals.
Bangkok Adjusts Electric Boat Service Plan in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem for 2025 - Promoting Tourism Along the Canal
Source - Domestic Press Release Thursday, November 21, 2024 08:24
Mr. Sittiporn Somkidson, Director of the Traffic and Transportation Department (TTD) of Bangkok, spoke about the development of a boat tourism route in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. Currently, Bangkok operates an electric passenger boat service. Phase 2 of the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem navigation development project runs from Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier to Thewarat Market Pier, Monday - Sunday.
* Weekdays (Monday - Friday) service operates from 06.00 - 09.00 and 16.00 - 19.00, with a frequency of every 20 minutes.
* Saturday - Sunday and public holidays, boats operate every 60 minutes.
An evaluation of service usage in 2024 found that approximately 700 people use the service per day, a 30% increase compared to 2023. For 2025, Bangkok plans to increase service frequency on weekends to facilitate public convenience and promote tourism along the route.
In addition, relevant agencies have been coordinated to consider developing boat tourism routes in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, passing through important communities in inner Bangkok, to stimulate the economy and tourism. Bangkok has plans to develop a navigation system in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and connect it with other canals, such as Khlong Bang Lamphu, in accordance with Bangkok's policy. This would operate on Saturdays and Sundays. Currently, trial runs are being conducted in Khlong Bang Lamphu to survey public demand and the suitability of the canal's physical characteristics. This aims to ensure the efficient development of public transportation and promote tourism along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem.
Mr. Sing Limpirat, Director of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Office (CSTO) of Bangkok, said that cooperation has been coordinated with relevant agencies, including the TTD, Pom Prap Sattru Phai District Office, Dusit District Office, and Krungthep Thanakom Co., Ltd., to consider developing boat tourism routes in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem. These routes pass through important communities in inner Bangkok, aiming to promote tourism and stimulate the community economy. The CSTO has proposed electric boat routes in Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, including:
1. "Alms and Food" route: Starting from Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier, visit Wat Thewarat Kunchorn to pay respects to Phra Phuttha Thewarat Patimakorn, Phra In Thong Chang Erawan, and Ong Thewanimit. Enjoy shopping and tasting famous food at Nang Loeng Market.
2. "Two Temples by the Canal" route: Starting from Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier, visit Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara and Wat Makut Kasattriyaram.
3. "Multiculturalism on Both Sides of the Canal" route: Starting from Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier, visit Mahanak Mosque and Wat Samanamambrihan.
Piers connecting to tourist attractions along Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem include:
1. Thewarat Market Pier - Thewarat Market, Wat Thewarat Kunchorn
2. Thewet Pier - Wat Indra Viharn
3. Prachathipatai Pier - Wat Makut Kasattriyaram
4. Ratchadamnoen Nok Pier - Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium, Wat Somanas Rajavaravihara
5. Nakhon Sawan Pier - Nang Loeng Market, Wat Samanambrihan
6. Yaek Lan Luang Pier - Bobae Market, Mahanak Market, Saphan Khao Market, Mahanak Mosque
7. Yot Se Pier - Wat Thep Sirinthrawat, Yot Se Alley, Wat Phlapphla Chai
8. Hua Lamphong Railway Station Pier - Bangkok Railway Station, Wat Traimit, Nana Alley, the 6th Cycle 72nd Birthday Anniversary Arch
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