The consortium, which revealed its intention to bring a genuine bus service to Phuket last November (see story here), announced the news on Tuesday (May 30).
The “Phuket Smart Bus” project time will require B55 million investment to launch with 10 buses, Dr Phadet Jinda, one of the company’s co-founders said.
“All 10 buses will be ready by October,” Dr Phadet assured.
“Our goal for Phase II is to be fully operational with all 10 units (providing bus services) in January 2018 as the gift for Phuket people,” he said.
The air-conditioned, low-emission “Smart” buses will feature free WiFi, GPS tracking, CCTV, digital route information and signage, and entertainment TV screens. They will also provide spacious luggage compartment to cater to tourists and feature wheel chair ramps to allow easy access.
The B55mn system will also account for E-Ticketing, fleet-management software and a bus control and service centre.
“Our objective is to respond to Phuket people’s demand to reduce traffic jams and accidents on the road, to increase the economic value of real estate along the routes and to provide routes connected to other forms of transportation (sea, land, air),” Dr Phadet explained.
An phone app will be launched to provide information about the bus services available, and which will provide a platform to learn about associated businesses and services in Phuket, such as hotels and tours.
The PKCD was formed by a group of Phuket business people in September last year with the goal of bringing progressive infrastructural developments to the island by working to support government mega-projects.
To raise the funds needed to achieve such lofty goals, the PKCD holding company is to be listed* on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
* Not already listed on the Thai Stock Exchange, as originally reported. The misunderstanding is regretted.