CityNews – 19th November 2019, Khomsan Suwan-ampha, deputy governor and Waraphorn Woraphongsathorn, from Chiang Mai provincial land transport office, did an area survey to randomly check public transport conditions especially those offering service up to Doi Suthep-Pui to check the releasing of black smoke and exhausted fumes that affected people’s health.
The deputy governor said he received complaints from media that some public transport vehicles up to Doi Suthep released black smoke more than standard acceptance. As engines required for driving vehicles up the mountain may need more power for acceleration than those in the city, they tend to emit more exhaust fumes. The provincial land transport office is concerned about this matter now that Chiang Mai is entering the high season with increased numbers of tourists anticipated.
Big buses are not allowed to go up on Doi Suthep to prevent congestion and accidents. Smaller sized modified trucks as public transport vehicles are popular choice for tourists. The transport office realised the need to check these vehicles’ conditions especially brakes and exhaust fumes as it can affect both image of the city and the people’s health, said officials.
Chiang Mai transport office revealed that usually they checked public vehicles two times a year. Together with the timing of the pending air-pollution crisis, the office and relevant Chiang Mai authorities need to randomly check vehicles with greater frequency in other queueing areas and particularly those awaiting passengers up to Doi Suthep.
This is in accordance with Chiang Mai’s measure to reduce PM 2.5 levels and to reduce amounts of black smoke from public transport to mitigate air-pollution problems for better health of Chiang Mai residents.
(Content) credit: Department of Public Relations, Chiang Mai