Political stand-off in Thailand over urban rail contract reignites concerns over high public transport costs

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The parliamentary clash has also resurfaced concerns over the prices of Bangkok's rapid rail transit fares. PHOTO: PIXABAY

 

by Tan Tam Mei

Thailand Correspondent

 

BANGKOK - Pushback against a proposal to extend a public-private partnership contract for a key section of Bangkok's skytrain has further underlined fractures in Thailand's coalition government.

 

The parliamentary clash has also resurfaced concerns over the prices of Bangkok's rapid rail transit fares, which remain unaffordable for a number of commuters.

 

The extension proposal by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Interior Ministry will lengthen the current contract for the Green Line skytrain for another 30 years after it expires in 2029. It also asks for the maximum fares to be set at 65 baht (S$2.70) per trip, up from the current 59 baht.

 

Full story: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/political-standoff-over-urban-rail-contract-reignites-concerns-over-high-public-transport-costs

 

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