[Photo from bangkoktourist.com]

Operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is charged with providing bus service to people living and working in Bangkok and the nearby provinces (i.e. Nothaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Pathom Provinces). As of February, 2005, the BMTA operated a total of 113 routes, served by 3,526 buses, of which 1,665 were regular buses and 1,861 air-conditioned buses. There were also privately-owned buses operated under the BMTA with a total of, 3,535 regular and air-conditioned buses and 1,067 minibuses including 2,325 small buses which provide services in lanes (Soi). An average of 3.4 million people use these services daily.

Types of Buses and Fares

Type Bus               Color                   Fare                              Service Time

Regular bus            Cream-Red         7 baht                           05.00 - 23.00 hrs.

Regular bus            White-Blue          8 baht                           05.00 - 23.00 hrs.

Expressway bus         Cream-Red     9 baht                              05.00 - 23.00 hrs.

All-night service bus  Cream-Red     8.50 baht                         23.00 - 05.00 hrs.

Air conditioned bus    Cream-Blue 11 13 15 17 19 baht            05.00 - 23.00 hrs.

EURO II bus        Yellow-Orange 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 baht   05.00 - 23.00 hrs.

Fare Exemptions and Concessions

The following passengers are eligible for bus fare exemptions:

1. BMTA bus inspectors

2. Buddhist monks and novices

3. Mailmen in uniform while on duty

4. Holders of BMTA employee ID cards

5. Holders of official certificates or medals specified in the Regulation on Bus Fare Exemptions