Press Release.............................. UNESCAP News Services

Date 10 December 2003
Information Note No: N/33/2003

United Nations Organizes Seminar on Bus Rapid Transit and Voluntary Travel Behaviour Change on 15 December 2003 in Bangkok

BANGKOK (United Nations Information Services) -- The Seminar on Bus Rapid Transit and Voluntary Travel Behaviour Change will be jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and GTZ at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok on Monday, 15 December 2003.

The Seminar will be opened by H.E. Mr. Nikorn Chamnong, Deputy Minister of Transport of Thailand. Ms. Nathanon Thavisin, Permanent Secretary of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Mr. Barry Cable, Director, Transport and Tourism Division of UNESCAP will deliver the opening statements.

The Seminar is being carried out as part of the Sustainable Urban Transport (SUPT) - Asia Project which aims to promote a practical exchange of information and experience on successful urban transport policies.

The Seminar will focus on two topics which are potentially of considerable interest for application in Bangkok. The morning session will focus on Traffic congestion and future improvements of urban mobility in Bangkok including the potential of Bus Rapid Transit to complement existing and planned mass transit schemes. Bus Rapid Transit is high-quality, customer-oriented transit that delivers fast, comfortable and low-cost urban mobility.

The morning session will begin with Mr. Chitchanok Kemavuthanon, Director General of Department of Traffic and Transportation, BMA on the traffic situation and the BMA priorities for reform followed by Mr. Poksak Sethabutr, Director, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, Bangkok's state owned and largest bus operator, who will address the issue of bus sector reform needed in Bangkok. Dr. Dario Hidalgo, Consultant, Formerly Deputy General Manager, TRANSMILENIO S.A. Bogota, Columbia, will describe the potential of Bus Rapid Transit as a mass transit option for Bangkok.

The afternoon session will focus on Voluntary Travel Behaviour Change. Mr. John Pinkard of Steer Davis Gleave, Australia, a leading transport consulting company, will explain a new and innovative approach to encourage people to use modes of transport other than private cars.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

You or your representatives are cordially invited to attend the opening session and subsequent sessions of the above one-day Seminar on Monday, 15 December 2003 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the United Nations Conference Centre, Rajadamnern Nok Ave., Bangkok.

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