The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has delayed the signing of a contract to procure 1,520 electric buses, initially scheduled for this month, pending cabinet approval. The lease-based project—valued at THB15.355 billion over seven years—aims to replace plans for natural gas buses with electric air-conditioned vehicles as part of the government’s goal to shift to clean energy public transport by 2029.
Once approved, BMTA expects to begin the bidding and contract process within 55 days. The first batch of 500 EV buses is slated for delivery within 180–200 days of contract signing, with the remainder arriving 3–6 months later. Despite a THB150 billion debt, BMTA reduced annual losses to 2.9 billion baht in 2024, aided by improved route management and anticipated EV funding.
BMTA also secured a 520 million baht court-ordered compensation from firms that violated NGV bus procurement terms. The EV transition is expected to lower costs, as electric power is three times cheaper than diesel, and maintenance is bundled into the lease.