The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) has passed an ordinance on electric passenger buses to reduce pollution. The law will make all buses in Bangkok electric vehicles (EVs) within 7 years and make Bangkok's air cleaner.

Yesterday, by a unanimous vote of 30:0, the Move Forward Party (MFP) reported that the Council approved the draft Bangkok ordinance on electric passenger buses to reduce pollution, which was proposed by Putthipat Thanyathammanon, a council member from the MFP representing Yan Nawa District.

 

Phutthiphat, who is also the chairman of the committee reviewing the ordinance, said the next step will be pushing for green space ordinances. He urged all members to support the draft for the betterment of the livelihood of people living in Bangkok.

Pattraporn Kengrungruengchai, an MFP council member representing Bang Sue District, said the ordinance will ensure a definite reduction in PM 2.5 pollution emitting from public buses. Additionally, if the government is serious about promoting EVs, it will create significant job opportunities, both in skilled labour for vehicle manufacturing and in developing related technology systems. 

The initiative can also attract foreign investment while showcasing the achievements of Thai entrepreneurs, with the capital city leading the way, she added.

Further, she urged BMC members to consider voting in favour of the bus ordinance in the second and third readings to confirm that they will use their current authority to return cleaner air to over 10 million people in Bangkok.