If you’re heading to Chiang Mai anytime soon, there’s a new public transportation service in town that is super convenient and accessible for tourists and locals alike!
Save those rides on tuk tuk or Grab services and hop on the the Chiang Mai Smart Bus service by Regional Transit Corporation (RTC) staring this April. It is a new bus route that will connect up to most of the key tourist sites and tourist zones in Chiang Mai.
Source: Exotic Aussie Dweller
The 50 million baht bus project, which was approved by the Chiang Mai Governor, has set one continuous bus route that will pass 26 stations with three main stations, one at Chiang Mai International Airport, one on Nimmanhaemin Road and one in the Old City.
Source: Chiang Mai Citylife
Thapana Bunyapravitra, a consultant at RTC said the system is fully supported by the Governor, as it will help enhance the city’s tourism industry, Chiang Mai Citylife reported.
The fully air-conditioned smart bus will be equipped with free WiFi, a GPS tracking application, and payment options that’ll be possible via smart card. It can accommodate 50 passengers, and will also feature a low floor and special seating for physically-challenged individuals.
Source: Chiang Mai Citylife
The bus service will be available from 6am to 11pm every day, with an interval of no longer than 20 minutes per trip.
Source: Chiang Mai Citylife
A 15-day free trial will be launched for both tourists and locals to get a hang of it. After that, the fares will be charged at a flat rate of 20 baht per person, regardless of destination. That’s about RM2.50 only! Cheap sia!
Source: Asia Travel Book
The R3 route will run in a circle, covering the 26 destinations listed below:
- Chiang Mai International Airport
- Mahidol Road
- Wattanothai Payap School
- Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital
- Wat Suan Dok
- Chiang Mai University Convention Center
- Nimmanhaemin
- MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
- Srithana Commercial Technology College Chiang Mai
- Kad Suan Kaew Department store
- Chang Phuak Gate
- Acheewa
- Three Kings Monument
- Chang Hua Lin
- Tha Phae Gate
- Somphet Market
- Chang Moi Rd
- Muang Mai Market
- Wat Ket
- Wat Upakhut
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Suriwongse Hotel
- Chiang Mai Gate
- Wua Lai Road
- Chiang Mai Cultural Centre
- Central Airport mall
Source: Gooread
Source: Property Talking
Meanwhile, a smartphone application called “CM Transit by RTC” is in the midst of development for users to check bus locations conveniently, The Nation reported.
Source: Flickr
So, if you’re planning to visit Chiang Mai, remember to check out the smart bus to explore the wonders of Chiang Mai! Sounds like a budget-friendly plan for a road trip soon!
Also read: 8 Awesome Night Markets in Bangkok You Must Visit For a Complete Experience
