Pol.Gen. Aswin Kwanmuang, Governor of Bangkok, presided over the opening ceremony for the route extension of Saen Saep Canal electric passenger boat service (Wat Si Bun Rueang – Min Buri District Office), and took an electric boat from Wat Si Bun Rueang Pier in Bang Kapi District to Min Buri Market Pier at Min Buri District.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) by Traffic and Transportation Department launches the electric passenger boat service in Saen Saep Canal starting from Wat Si Bun Rueang Pier until Min Buri District Office Pier. This is an extended route that enable people to conveniently connect to Min Buri areas. The services will be provided using electric boats that generate less waves, operate noiselessly, emit no pollutants into canal, do not cause pollutions, and run without fuel combustion which is the cause of global warming. This is the second water transportation route after passenger boat route on Phadung Krung Kasem Canal. The BMA has operated its electric passenger boat services to provide the public with multiple transportation options to choose from. It is also the promotion of public transportation system that rapidly connects to other types of transportation. It enhances good quality of life of the people and is truly environmentally friendly public transportation system.
Twelve electric vessels that operate on this extended route are passenger boats with 40 seats capacity with 12.50 meters long and 3.20 meters wide. Its maximum speed is 17 km/h and generally the boat can be operated at speeds of 10 – 14 km/h. The boat is equipped with special seats for disabled passengers with wheelchair and bicycle hangers for people commuting by bicycles. Charging time from 0 to 100% is only about 90 to 120 minutes. In one charge, the boat can run for 2-3 hours. The boat route comprises 12 piers, namely 1. Wat Si Bun Rueang Pier, 2. Paseo Pier, 3. Eight new piers constructed by the BMA, and 4. Two piers used for the transit of passengers at Bang Chan Watergate.
The distance of the electric boat service is approximately 10.50 kilometers which takes about 50 – 60 minutes. The electric boat service operates from Mondays to Fridays, from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. with the boat departing every 20 – 30 minutes. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the operation hours is from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the boat departs every 30 minutes. The service is free of charge for six months.
Source: BMA