BMTA pushes ahead with 1,520 EV bus transition

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is preparing for a major operational overhaul, as it transitions to electric buses, with a plan to lease 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs) over seven years under a 14.9-billion-baht contract with Nakhonchai Air Co, Ltd.

Delivery of the air-conditioned electric fleet will take place in three batches between March and May 2027. The first 500 buses are scheduled for delivery in late March 2027, followed by another 500 in April and the remaining 520 in May, according to BMTA director Kittikan Chomdoung Charuworapolkul.

“A committee inspecting the vehicles has already visited assembly plants and component factories to ensure compliance with contract specifications,” Kittikan said. “A dedicated supervision panel has also been established to track production, manage delivery phases and mitigate potential risks that could cause project delays.”

While the State Railway Workers Union of the BMTA supports the shift to EVs, noting that lower fuel and maintenance costs will benefit low-income commuters, it has raised concerns over the agency's reliance on leased bus depots.

The BMTA currently owns only five depots, while most facilities operate under short-term lease agreements. Union president Pramit Mekchay cautioned that investing serious amounts of capital in electrical grids and charging stations on leased land could turn into a financial liability if the leases are not renewed.

He urged the government and the BMTA to secure permanent land ownership for depots, to protect long-term infrastructure investments and ensure fuel savings are not offset by rental expenses.

In response to infrastructure needs, the BMTA is preparing 12 bus depots to accommodate charging systems and fleet management, with the preparation of nine locations currently being accelerated to support the initial delivery of the electric buses in 2027.