Thailand’s Transport Co Revamps Bus Services Amid Rail Expansion

Adapting to New Travel Trends

Responding to Double-Track Rail Growth

Thailand’s state-owned Transport Company, known as Bor Kor Sor, is overhauling its bus services to align with evolving travel preferences as double-track railway lines expand nationwide. With 4,845 kilometers of rail managed by the State Railway of Thailand, per 2025 data, the company aims to retain its 30% share of long-distance passengers. The shift reflects growing competition from faster, safer rail options, prompting strategic route adjustments.

New Double-Track Rail Developments

Latest Line Enhances Connectivity

The recent opening of a double-track rail line in June 2025, spanning from Khok Kathiam in Lop Buri to Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan, marks progress in Thailand’s 300-billion-baht rail project, set to upgrade 1,312 kilometers by 2028. Double-track lines, boosting train speeds to 100-120 km/h, per railway reports, are diverting passengers from buses. This has pushed Transport Co to innovate to maintain its relevance among Thailand’s 35 million annual travelers.

Enhancing Airport Connections

Seamless Feeder Services

To counter rail competition, Transport Co is introducing bus routes to airports, such as the new Don Mueang to Pattaya service launched in March 2025, reducing walking distances for travelers. These feeder services aim to connect rail-inaccessible areas, benefiting 60% of Thailand’s 15 million airport passengers, per 2024 aviation stats. This strategy enhances convenience and supports Thailand’s $40 billion tourism industry.

Cross-Border Route Expansion

Boosting Tourism and Trade

Transport Co is exploring cross-border bus routes to Cambodia and Laos, promoting tourism and business travel. Routes like Bangkok to Siem Reap, taking about 9 hours, cater to 20% of regional travelers, per 2025 tourism data. By integrating with rail networks, these routes strengthen Thailand’s position as an ASEAN transport hub, fostering economic ties with neighboring countries and supporting 500,000 annual cross-border trips.

Modernizing Bus Terminals

Mo Chit 2 Renovation Plans

The company is upgrading the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to reduce congestion and improve rail connectivity, with plans to be finalized within three months. This renovation, impacting 70% of Bangkok’s 1 million daily bus commuters, per 2025 transport records, aims to streamline operations and enhance passenger experience in Thailand’s bustling capital.

Fleet Upgrades for Efficiency

New Buses to Boost Revenue

Transport Co has invested 3 billion baht in 311 new buses, with 99 arriving by September 9, 2025, to replace 250 outdated vehicles. This upgrade targets a revenue increase from 1.9 billion baht in 2024 to 3.5 billion baht by 2027, per company projections. With 80% of passengers preferring modern buses, per X sentiment, these vehicles will enhance comfort and reliability for Thailand’s 10 million annual bus users.