The Government of Thailand has approved a seven-year electric bus leasing programme for Bangkok, overturning a previous plan to procure natural gas (NGV) buses. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will lease 1,520 EV buses at a total cost of THB15.35 billion, with operations expected to enhance environmental performance and public transport efficiency.
The revised plan supersedes a 2012 proposal to purchase 3,183 NGV buses at THB13.2 billion. The new budget covers THB10.1 billion for leasing, THB3.2 billion for maintenance, and THB967 million for charging infrastructure. For fiscal 2025, THB 368.4 million has been allocated, with the remainder scheduled through 2031.
BMTA anticipates the EV fleet will generate THB52.65 billion in revenue, mainly from fares and advertising, with projected profits of THB19.85 billion over the lease period.
