The Baht Bus

One of the factors usually taken into consideration when choosing a place to live in is the location. So, what makes for an ideal location? For some, it means easy access to public transportation. You might not think of Pattaya as having a public transportation network, but that would be inaccurate.

The public transportation in Pattaya is much different from Bangkok. Bangkok has the BTS Sky Train, the underground MRT trains as well as BRT Rapid Transit Bus system.

Pattaya has none of those things, but what they do have is the Songthaew or Baht Bus, as many foreigners commonly call it. There are a few distinct advantages to the Baht Bus that are generally not available on what might be considered more traditional forms of public transportation.

Gecko Properties know all of the Baht Bus routes. They can help you decide on a location based on your desire to travel for shopping, education, entertainment, medical care or any other consideration.

The first is cost. A standard trip on a Baht Bus will cost all of 10 baht. I do not know how long it has been at this price, but it has been over 12 years since the last increase. If you are taking a complicated route requiring you to change buses, you will have to pay a separate fare for each one.

The second is convenience. Quite understandably, traditional public transportation is only able to stop and pick up or alight passengers at predetermined stations along their prescribed route. The Baht Bus is capable and regularly makes stops along its route wherever you require. Technically, they are only supposed to stop at designated points, but in practice, this is not how it works.

If you want to catch a Baht Bus, it is as simple as standing by the side of the road (along a route) and putting out your arm palm down. The bus will pull over there and then allow you to board. Similarly, when you wish to alight the bus, you will find several buttons that will ring a bell to alert the driver you want to stop. It is as easy as that.

There are a couple of things to bear in mind. Always try to have the exact change to give to the driver. If you hand over a note – you might not get the change you were expecting. Do not ask “How much?” Just hand over the 10 baht. If there is an issue, the driver will call you back. If the dispute is over a difference of 10 baht, I would recommend paying the difference.

The Baht Bus routes run all around Pattaya from Jomtien to Naklua. The run the length of Sukhumvit Road. They also go up and down Thepprasit Road, South Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Road as well as Soi Buakhao. Regular service is also found on both Jomtien Beach Road and Pattaya Beach Road.

With such a comprehensive network, it is likely you can find the property of your dreams that is well serviced by a Songthaew route.

As the experts in all facets of real estate in Pattaya, Gecko Properties can answer all your questions and help you find that dream property.