Bus safety hits radar for Songkran

PLTO Chief Adcha Buachanreported that officers inspected the safety condition of the buses, and the drivers, during the checks conducted yesterday.

The checks were conducted at Phuket’s main bus terminal, Phuket Bus Terminal 2, in Rassada, north of Phuket Town, and at the original bus station, Phuket Bus Terminal 1, located off Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town.

The team also stressed to the bus operators to ensure the readiness of the buses and drivers,” he said.

Offices will remain stationed at the “temporary Public Transport Passenger Protection Center” at each of Phuket’s two interprovincial bus terminals, he said. The other bus terminal, Phuket Bus Terminal 1, is the original bus station off Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town.

The officers’ role will be “to prevent passengers from being exploited for using public transportation while also accommodating the needs for passengers,” Mr Adcha said.

The officers will be stationed at the ‘Public Transport Passenger Protection Centers’ 24 hours a day, he said.

The PLTO is already coordinating with private vehicle inspection centers as well as car dealers to offer free safety inspections to ensure the cars are ready for travelling on the roads, he added.

“The priorities are the condition of public buses and the drivers, who must be 100% ready for the influx of passengers before offering a service,” Mr Adcha said.

“The drivers must hold a registered driver’s license for public transportation, must not take any type of drug or drink alcohol, and the driving hours must not exceed the law to ensure the safety of the passengers,” he concluded.