Thousands more people opted to use the Skytrain yesterday as there were no buses on their routes.

Govt waives daily concession fees for time being as 4,000 private buses agree to return to the roads after a 1-day strike

All 4,000 privately operated buses have resumed services today after a one-day strike. Their demands for government assistance have been met.

These buses operate on Bangkok Mass Transit Authority concessions. They can now fill up with diesel at 24 selected service stations used by BMTA buses. Diesel at these stations is Bt3 a litre cheaper than elsewhere.

They have had their daily concession fees waived for the time being. Non-air-conditioned buses had to pay Bt35 and air-conditioned ones Bt60.

Private operators' network leader Chatchai Chaiwiset says he and BMTA officials are meeting today to talk about longer-term solutions to the cost crisis.

Yesterday, millions of Bangkok commuters were stranded after privately run city buses went on strike, after being denied a fare hike.

Students and office workers waited hours at bus stops. Many were forced to hail taxis. There was traffic congestion throughout the city, too.

There was gridlock along Rajdamnoen Nok Avenue, where Transport Ministry headquarters is. Many of the striking bus drivers took their coaches to the ministry, parking outside in a show of solidarity for the fare hike.

Taxis overcharge

The strike was precipitated by an Administration Court order barring the ministry from allowing fares to be raised.

Taxis took the opportunity to overcharge desperate commuters. Many refused to accept fares demanding they use meters. Arguments between passengers and cabbies were common.

Many students took the chance for a day off. As many as half the roll of the Poh Chang College of Arts and Crafts was absent. Upset teachers complained to a city radio programme. Many office workers took a day off, too, telling bosses they were unable to make it to work.

Bt160,000 loss each day

BMTA director Phinet Phuaphatthanakul says the authority will lose Bt160,000 a day in lost concession fees.

However, he's convinced there will be no illegal selling of diesel to private-bus drivers at the BMTA stations.

The ongoing People's Alli-ance for Democracy demonstration at Makawan bridge worsened congestion. Jams are spread from Rajdamnoen to Pinklao.

Minister's promise

Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop promises to address the private bus operators' problem.

"I sympathise with the operators. I will need to see details before telling them how we can help." Cuts to fuel levies may have help, she says.

Traffic radio programmes started receiving calls from frustrated and desperate commuters about 6am. People wanted to know why there were no buses.

One caller reported a BMTA bus being attacked by five men on Bang Na-Trat Highway.