Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged that by September 2025, electric train rides throughout the metropolitan area will cost a mere 20 baht, fulfilling a longstanding promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

 

This initiative, initially implemented on select lines last year, faced scepticism from opposition figures like Surachet Pravinvongvuth of the Move Forward Party. Yet, Suriya remains steadfast, asserting that this policy is essential for enhancing transportation infrastructure and alleviating financial burdens for citizens.

 

Addressing naysayers, Suriya emphasised the government’s commitment.

 

“All train fares will indeed be capped at 20 baht.”

 

To achieve this ambitious goal, the ministry plans to introduce a joint-ticket system, simplifying travel across the entire public transport network.

 

Furthermore, a dedicated fund will compensate operators for revenue losses incurred by this fare cap. With a draft bill in the works, Suriya anticipates swift approval from the Cabinet, ensuring the seamless implementation of this groundbreaking policy, reported The Nation.

 

Beyond affordability, Suriya underscores the environmental benefits, envisioning increased usage of eco-friendly electric trains to combat greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous PM2.5 particles.

 

“The government remains steadfast in its promise. We’re determined to cap all train fares at 20 baht within two years, revolutionising urban transportation for the betterment of all.”

 

In related news, the State Railway of Thailand‘s (SRT) Red Line electric commuter rail network is set to undergo a significant expansion, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The Transport Ministry will put forth proposals for the construction of three extensions this week: the Taling Chan-Salaya extension, the Rangsit-Thammasat University, the Rangsit Campus extension, and the Taling Chan-Siriraj extension.

 

In other news, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) embarks on an initiative to replace its ageing fleet with 3,390 electric buses, announced Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri.

 

During a recent board meeting, it was revealed that the BMTA has prioritised the urgent acquisition of new electric buses, aligning with its commitment to mitigate environmental impact across the metropolitan area.

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Caption: Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
 

I regularly/currently travel to Don Meaung for just 20B, from Talingchan, at the other end of the SRT.

I love it!

All well and good so long as the infrastructure stays in one piece.

This will get dropped like a bad habit as soon as Pheu Thais' (mostly rural) voters understand that their tax-money will go towards paying for the Bangkokians travels..

Nothing quite like a "dedicated fund" to pay for another populist policy !

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Furthermore, a dedicated fund will compensate operators for revenue losses incurred by this fare cap.

And that money comes from ????

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

To achieve this ambitious goal, the ministry plans to introduce a joint-ticket system, simplifying travel across the entire public transport network.

 

I've been reading this for as long as I can remember. And if they reduce the fare to 20 baht they'll also need to add more carriages to the trains as every man and his dog will ride it. Well, maybe not dogs.

Sounds like another hype given by the PTP to keep people pacified. Just like the 10k distribution plan promised but never given and even now riddled with excuses and delays. Tell the people you will give them what they want to keep you in your position of power and then hope they understand when you can not fulfill your promises using excuses. 

9 hours ago, Excogitator said:

This will get dropped like a bad habit as soon as Pheu Thais' (mostly rural) voters understand that their tax-money will go towards paying for the Bangkokians travels..

Majority of whom pay no taxes...

2 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Majority of whom pay no taxes...

Wrong.

 

Income tax (which many rural folks also pay) is not the only form of taxation in Thailand. There is also VAT, petrol tax, corporate taxes, airport taxes, car tax, land and building taxes, etc.

 

In fact, everbody in Thailand, including tourists and expats pay some form of tax...

Edited April 19, 20242 yr by Excogitator

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

And that money comes from ????

Everybody who pays some sort of tax including the 80 to 90% of the people who cannot actually use the systems, simply because they don't live in Bangkok.

Will I still get my 'pom senior' 50% discount?

18 hours ago, Excogitator said:

Pheu Thais' (mostly rural) voters

I guess you're not really up on Thai voters ve Thai taxpayers.  Most of Pheu Thai's voters are the farmers, taxi drivers, club workers (all flavours) and golf caddies. Most don't pay any tax except the VAT.  In fact for the Bangkok club workers (etc) they're lovin' it.

On 4/18/2024 at 3:15 PM, Excogitator said:

Pheu Thais' (mostly rural) voters understand that their tax-money will go towards paying for the Bangkokians travels..

 

Rural thais very rarely pay any tax.