A new law has been published in the Royal Gazette, stating that passengers are now not allowed to face on the again of baht buses, also identified as songtaews. But drivers are additionally obligated to pick up all passengers, leaving drivers with the dilemma of both illegally not selecting up passengers when full or illegally overcrowding and allowing passengers to stand on the back of the bus.
Similar laws have long existed – and often been ignored – on an area stage throughout Thailand. But last Friday the ban on standing on the back of baht buses was enacted as a federal regulation. Some consider the national law will be extra strictly enforced than native legal guidelines.
Baht buses are a typical form of public transportation in Thailand, especially in urban areas. Insane are usually pickup vans or vans with lined seating areas in the back, they usually comply with mounted routes around the city, picking up and dropping off passengers alongside the greatest way. Baht buses are identified for their low fares, and passengers can flag them down from the roadside or hail them from a delegated stop.
The legislation prohibiting standing on the back of baht buses is meant to enhance safety for passengers. While they’ve seats inside the covered space, many passengers favor to stand on the back for a quicker and more convenient experience, particularly throughout rush hour. However, authorities concern for safety with riders dangling of the tail end of the bus, especially when the vehicle is transferring at excessive speeds or making sudden turns.
The regulation also mandates that the speed restrict for baht buses must not exceed 60 kilometres per hour, and drivers who break this regulation will face legal action.
Despite the protection considerations, some baht bus operators usually are not proud of the new legislation. They argue that they cannot all the time stop passengers from standing on the again, especially throughout rush hour when passengers are in a hurry and prepared to take the chance.
Also, baht bus drivers cannot legally refuse to select up extra passengers. So if individuals can’t stand on the again of the bus, and they’re legally obligated to select up increasingly passengers, overcrowding inside the coated space of the baht bus is inevitable.
The 60 kilometres per hour speed restrict is also a cause for concern among baht bus operators. While it will not be a problem for baht buses operating inside city limits, it could have an effect on those who run outdoors of town. However, the new law is predicted to enhance overall safety for each passengers and drivers, as properly as reduce the chance of accidents and authorized liability for operators..