67-Year-Old Trat Bus Route Ends This Month
Trat's 67-year-old BKBS bus service to Bangkok closes at month's end due to low ridership and rising costs, leaving elderly residents and welfare cardholders without affordable transport options.
Trat province will lose a key public transport link when the Transport Company Limited (BKBS) Trat-Bangkok (Mochit) route shuts down by month's end, closing a legendary 67-year-old service. The closure has created unavoidable concerns among residents regarding daily life and community economics, though other BKBS minibus services like Chiang Chai will continue operating.
BKBS Trat ticket seller Nonghlak revealed the current service departs Bangkok's Mochit station at 7:30 a.m. and leaves Trat at 9:30 a.m., with a nighttime departure at 10:30 p.m. previously canceled during the COVID-19 period. The final run will operate on July 31, 2025.
The route closure stems from unsustainable economics, with ridership averaging only 10 passengers from the originating point and 4-5 additional pickups at Saen Tung station, against fixed daily operating costs of 5,000 baht per trip. The suspension will particularly impact elderly residents using state welfare benefits and passengers with heavy luggage who find minibuses inconvenient.
Nonghlak, who has worked at the station for 10 years, said she faces relocation challenges if transferred to Bangkok or Chiang Buri headquarters. Local songthaew driver Yongyut noted the route's closure means losing a customer base and expressed concern for elderly passengers aged 70-80 who will struggle with minibus travel, especially since tour operator Chiang Chai runs only one daily service.
Passenger Naresil countered that the service is a basic public welfare that should not be eliminated. Despite many choosing faster minibuses, the BKBS route is essential for welfare card holders and seniors who receive half-price fares—a crucial benefit allowing limited budgets to stretch further. Even if the service loses money, maintaining at least one vehicle would help those unable to afford full fares. Minibus operator Suranpong acknowledged increased ridership if BKBS closes but personally hopes the service continues, providing travel options for tourists and Trat residents.
