Like other big cities, Khon Kaen is facing a public transport problem. The increased dependence on private vehicles worsened the city's traffic, while its main transit terminal became harder to access following a move to the city's outskirts. Now, a pilot project is underway to research and design a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system aimed at modernizing the city’s transit network.

Khon Kaen City Bus Route Application (File photo/Samanachan Buddhajak)

In this final report on Khon Kaen’s public transport system, we examine the role of government agencies and local entities in management and reform. The Khon Kaen Provincial Transport Office has proposed a plan to improve all 76 bus routes, with four major bus terminals in Khon Kaen set to be transferred to the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organisation—an entity that currently lacks a formal public bus strategy. To address this gap, a pilot project is underway in collaboration with Khon Kaen University and the private sector to research and design a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system aimed at modernizing the city’s transit network.

In a recent interview, Pongthorn Chandrathibodi of the Khon Kaen Provincial Transport Office explained his agency’s role in traffic control, driver licensing, and public transport management. He explained that it imposes standards “to ensure the quality and safety of the transportation system.”

Public buses were once a popular mode of transportation in Khon Kaen, but following the COVID-19 pandemic, more people turned to private cars, believing them to be more convenient. The shift led to a decline in bus ridership and a reduction in service frequency. Expanding bus services is now a challenge, not only for Khon Kaen but for cities across the country. According to Pongthorn, the main problem is figuring out how to get people to return to public transport.

Khon Kaen’s plan is to modernise its transportation system, updating bus routes, improving service conditions, and incorporating public feedback received at the Transport Office or through a 1584 Hotline. Additionally, a real-time bus tracking application is in development to help commuters plan their trips more effectively. The hope is that more schedule information will increase people's confidence in the service.

Free bus services may also be offered at major transit hubs in the city center to encourage the use of public over private transport.

Khon Kaen receives approximately 800 million baht annually from transportation-related taxes and fees. Only some of this can be used to improve the transportation system.  A portion must also be allocated for other public services.

The regulation and licensing of public buses remain critical concerns. Ensuring safety and service standards is the top priority. Scheduling is less critical.  Essential routes—such as those serving students during rush hours—remain in high demand, indicating the continued importance of public transportation. However, declining passenger numbers have forced some operators to reduce service frequency, a technical breach of their contract conditions.

The Private Sector Bears the Financial Burden

It is difficult to hold them accountable. As Pikul Mahanam, a public transport specialist in the Transport Office, explains, the problem is high operating costs. The expenses are so substantial that no single proprietor can carry them alone, necessitating private sector involvement. And even with private participation, financial problems remain.  The daily fare revenue some buses can be as low as 88 baht —insufficient to cover an average daily fuel cost of around 500 baht.  There are no concrete plans to provide private operators with public subsidies and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted operations, making it even more difficult for operators to stay afloat.

The Development Plan for Public Buses in Khon Kaen

In the face of such obstacles, Khon Kaen is working to modernise its public bus system, both  category 1 routes covering urban commutes and connecting key city zones and category 4 routes which link outlying districts in the province to the city center.

As these latter routes are legally the responsibility of the Provincial Land Transport Regulation Control Board, which oversees route assignments, operator licensing, and fare regulations under Article 20 of the Land Transportation Act, the Transport Office is working with them. The goal is to revise routes to align with the city’s evolving urban landscape. Some that once operated 300–400 runs per day have had their frequency reduced.  Others are being introduced to improve connectivity with the train station and better accommodate passenger demand.

To support operators, the Office has also launched a "Transport Clinic" program, offering consultations, training, and operational assistance, while also improving access to route information through online platforms.

Khon Kaen’s bus system still faces a shortage of operators, however. As of July 2024, 46 out of 147 registered bus routes remained inactive. Within the municipal area, six of 27 routes lacked operators. Interprovincial routes, which connect Khon Kaen to other provinces, had 26 inactive routes and within the province, 14 of 49 routes were not in operation.

Plans for Improvement

The city plans to upgrade 76 bus routes, - 27 urban and 49 provincial links.  The aim is to raise service standards, encourage private sector participation, and make public transit more reliable and accessible.

Officials are reviewing routes and adjusting operations to better match passenger needs. Fare structures are being adjusted to balance affordability with operational sustainability. Improvements are also being made to bus quality and driver training programs to enhance safety and service efficiency.

A key focus is expanding transportation hubs and parking areas, making it easier for passengers to switch between different transit modes. Upgrades in data management and real-time route tracking will help commuters navigate the system more effectively.

Through these initiatives, Khon Kaen aims to build a more modern, efficient, and sustainable public transportation system that meets the demands of its growing population.

Balancing Budget Constraints and Transit Expansion

Supaporn Phungern, Director of the Division of Transportation Affairs, Khon Kaen PAO (Photo: Nanphanita Sukitkunphruetthiphon)

The Provincial Administrative Organisation’s (PAO) main source of income for transport improvements currently comes from parking fees. In July 2024, large bus parking fees were raised to 30 baht per service run, while small bus parking fees now range from 2 to 15 baht.

Despite limited funding, Supaporn Phungern, Director of the PAO’s Division of Transportation Affairs, feels that Khon Kaen can expand public transit services, especially if the government provides additional support.  The PAO collaborates with the Khon Kaen Provincial Transport Office to ensure that bus operators meet regulatory standards and comply with legal requirements. It is also working to transform bus terminals into high-quality transit hubs, ensuring they serve as efficient parking and pick-up points for all types of buses. As part of this effort, the PAO is conducting in-depth research on public transportation needs to guide future development.

The organisation is currently upgrading four bus terminals transferred from the Department of Land Transportation.  A persistent issue at the terminals has been the presence of homeless individuals and stray dogs, which could pose safety concerns for passengers. Partnering with other agencies the PAO is addressing this problem. Today, all four terminals feature complete amenities, including toilets, resting areas, and housekeeping services, ensuring a more comfortable experience for travellers

The Challenge: Meeting Passenger Needs While Advancing the “Smart City” Vision

The Khon Kaen Smart City initiative aims to integrate technology, infrastructure, and efficient resource management to create a more liveable urban environment. A major challenge remains: insufficient budget allocations for local government agencies, which restricts their ability to invest in essential projects such as transportation, research, job creation, and infrastructure development.

Another significant barrier is delayed policymaking at the national level. Moving toward a more decentralised system, where local governments have greater autonomy and access to funding, would enable Khon Kaen to better address the specific needs of its residents. Encouraging collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the private sector would also help accelerate transportation improvements and push Khon Kaen closer to becoming a true “Smart City” that meets the needs of all its residents.