In a major move to ease the cost of living for Bangkok's residents, Thailand's Transport Ministry has unveiled a £8 billion annual budget to implement a flat 20-baht fare on all electric rail services in the city. This ambitious policy aims to be fully operational by September 2025.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the formation of a dedicated team to fast-track the policy, which builds on a pilot scheme running since October 2022. The pilot, covering the Red Line commuter trains and the MRT Purple Line, has already seen a rise in passenger numbers, indicating positive public reception.

 

The initiative's complexity requires thorough oversight, necessitating a draft law on a joint-ticketing system to ensure seamless travel across various lines. The new law, pending legal review, Cabinet approval, and royal endorsement, is expected to clear major legislative hurdles within four months, notwithstanding a potential one-month delay due to government changes.

 

 

 

 

Initial funding will come from the MRT Blue Line’s revenue, with surplus funds sourced from the Energy Conservation Fund. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, operator of the MRT, has expressed its support, acknowledging the financial and social benefits of the policy.

 

Minister Suriya remains optimistic about meeting the 2025 deadline, underscoring the policy's potential to transform daily commutes and the quality of life for Bangkok's residents.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-09-11
 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Good news for a change for the locals.  20 baht cap is a relief to many who use these trains daily to get to work. 

They should make the fare $1.50.

19 minutes ago, Deserted said:

They should make the fare $1.50.

3 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The initiative's complexity requires thorough oversight, necessitating a draft law on a joint-ticketing system to ensure seamless travel across various lines. The new law, pending legal review, Cabinet approval, and royal endorsement, is expected to clear major legislative hurdles within four months, notwithstanding a potential one-month delay due to government changes.

 

I'll believe it when I see it...

 

They've been spouting this kind of stuff for years as regards to reduced rail transit fares and system integration in BKK, and not much has come from it thus far.

 

What's Farang price?

2 hours ago, Celsius said:

What's Farang price?

20 dollar, why?

Increase the tax on petrol by 10% and diesel by 5% - take the money and make the public transport network all over Bangkok free of charge. Instead of letting some government goons run the buses etc., outsource the operation to private companies and you will see wonders. 
Will do away with all those queues, gates and watchmen poking noses or being glued to the the screen of their phones 😉 

16 hours ago, chickenslegs said:

This post is junk😀