Transport Co, the operator of inter-provincial bus services, plans to link its information technology system to the police's database to improve safety for its passengers.
Lt Gen Surapol Tapananont, chairman of Transport Co, said the state-run company is coordinating with the Royal Thai Police (RTP) to develop a system to help it run background checks on passengers and keep criminals off the buses.
As a part of the screening procedures, passengers will be required to verify their identities before they board the buses, he said.
Lt Gen Surapol said that the Transport Co also is also planning to upgrade Bangkok's three main bus terminals -- Mor Chit 2 Northern Bus terminal, the Southern Bus terminal, and Ekkamai Eastern Bus terminal -- into "smart" terminals to help ensure passenger convenience.
"The smart terminals will feature advanced information displays, new passenger zones, and offer luggage tracking services," he said. "We will also introduce a new electronic ticketing system to ensure a seamless travel experience for our passengers."
Jirasak Yaowatsakul, managing director of Transport Co, said the company has also asked the Comptroller-General's Department to include inter-provincial buses operated by private firms under contracts with Transport Co in the welfare smart card scheme.
