Thonglor Expands Public Transport: New Routes Launch by 2027

The Thonglor City Council voted unanimously on July 9 to approve the Public Transport Expansion Plan 2026-2028, which will affect an estimated 120,000 daily commuters in the municipality. The policy includes new bus routes, increased service frequency, and upgraded stops across six suburbs.

This move comes amid growing concerns over traffic congestion and public transport overcrowding that have been reported by commuter groups and local business owners. The city has seen a steady population increase of approximately 1.5 percent annually over the past five years, intensifying pressure on existing transportation infrastructure.

Impact on Residents’ Daily Commutes

The transport plan focuses on extending bus routes into primarily residential areas such as Nong Tan and East Chai Wari. Buses that currently run every 20 minutes during peak hours will see frequency improvements to every 10 to 12 minutes from January 2027, city documents show. Additionally, the introduction of two new routes will provide direct links between Thonglor’s industrial zones and the city center, cutting average commute times by seven minutes, according to council projections.

Residents in the Phaya Leng district should also expect improved accessibility as five new sheltered bus stops will be constructed by mid-2027. The upgrades include digital timetable displays, improved lighting, and seating, elements the council says will enhance safety and convenience.

Budget, Data, and Timeline

The council allocated a budget of 1.2 billion baht in the 2026 municipal budget towards this expansion. Of this, 750 million baht is dedicated to purchasing 50 new environmentally friendly buses, with the remainder covering infrastructure and staffing costs. The plan aligns with the city’s 10-year Transportation Strategy, which emphasizes sustainable mobility and reducing private vehicle dependency.

Data from the 2025 Urban Mobility Report indicate buses currently only handle about 28 percent of city journeys. The increase in routes and frequency is projected to raise this to 36 percent by the end of 2028. Furthermore, policy documents highlight that reduced congestion is also expected to lower average vehicle emissions in Thonglor by 4 percent within two years after full implementation.

The council has outlined a phased rollout starting with route expansions and stop upgrades scheduled for completion by December 2026. New buses will enter service gradually from January 2027, with full operational capacity anticipated by July 2027. Residents will see immediate changes on some corridors while others will transition over the next year.

Transport officials advise commuters to check updated timetables and route maps on the city council website from September 2026 ahead of major service changes. The council intends to monitor service performance continuously and adjust schedules as needed based on passenger feedback and usage patterns.