MRT 20-baht bonanza: MRT hits the jackpot for commuters

[snoop1130]

 

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has hit the jackpot with its new 20-baht maximum fare policy, hailed as a major triumph in public transport. Launched as part of the Ministry of Transport’s Quick Win programme, Transportation for Public Prosperity, the initiative aims to lighten the commuting costs for everyone.

 

Starting with the MRT Purple Line last week, the policy is set to expand, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly across both the Purple and Red Line suburban systems for a mere 20 baht using a single EMV Contactless card.

 

Since the rollout, daily ridership on the Purple Line has skyrocketed by 17.7%, with over 66,000 passengers now hopping on each day, an impressive jump from pre-policy numbers. Meanwhile, the Blue Line isn’t lagging, boasting an 11.92% increase and serving an average of 420,000 passengers daily.

 

Key transfer hubs like Sukhumvit and Silom have also seen a boost, with passenger numbers climbing by 9.11% and 9.80% respectively. The success of the Purple Line is having a ripple effect, enhancing ridership across the entire Bangkok mass transit network.

 

Particularly noteworthy is the Nonthaburi Civic Center station, which connects to the Pink Line and has experienced a staggering 63.36% rise in passengers. Nearby, Talad Bang Yai Station, situated close to a bustling shopping district, reported a solid 27.22% increase in daily users.

 

Park-and-ride facilities along the Purple Line are reaping rewards too. The Bang Yai intersection parking lot has seen a 29% spike in weekday usage, while Bang Rak Noi Tha It station enjoyed a 23% rise in visitors.

 

This initiative has not only boosted public transport ridership but has also played a vital role in cutting down traffic congestion and air pollution in the city, paving the way for a more sustainable urban environment.

 

In addition to the fare policy, the MRTA is rolling out initiatives like the PAPA Care programme (Priority Accessible Purple Line Area) to support the elderly, disabled, pregnant passengers, and children, ensuring that public transport is accessible for all.

 

In partnership with Krung Thai Bank, the MRTA has introduced an EMV Contactless card that offers fare discounts across all MRT lines while seamlessly integrating with other public transport systems, including the Red Line and BMTA buses.

 

By Bob Scott

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2024-10-24

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has hit the jackpot with its new 20-baht maximum fare policy

Too expensive, Brisbane has 50 cents fare for public transport. 

 

 

[isaanistical]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

MRTA has introduced an EMV Contactless card that offers fare discounts across all MRT lines while seamlessly integrating with other public transport systems, including the Red Line and BMTA buses.

sorry but I flat-out don't believe this.  I have just staggered back from a round-trip requiring 3 of the routes, each way, buying tickets, and NOWHERE is there any hint of a joint card. Details, perhaps? Or is it only availabe in Pattaya......

[BrandonJT]

This is all about headlines and not about helping people.  If it was about helping people it would be implemented on the lines that people actually use, like the blue line, and the BTS as well.

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Since the rollout, daily ridership on the Purple Line has skyrocketed by 17.7%

Price them in, not price them out always works.

[Wiggy]

If they’re going to do this on the BTS, they are going to need longer and more frequent trains, as it’s pretty much mobbed most of the time. I can’t see it happening. 

[Searat7]

5 minutes ago, Wiggy said:

If they’re going to do this on the BTS, they are going to need longer and more frequent trains, as it’s pretty much mobbed most of the time. I can’t see it happening. 

The only way this would work is by adding a 5th carriage on main lines which will not happen overnight. Also the Silom Line is limited with frequency because of the single platform at Saphan Taksin. I wonder if the government has completed their long overdue payments to BTS too. The 20 baht fare would cost the government a fortune if all lines were included. 

[john donson]

trains packed like sardines now?

[damian]

Percentages are nice but what are the actual numbers and have the increases covered the losses from full fares?

 

I doubt it.

 

A quick purple line calculation says they have increased ridership by about 10k a day. Considering the same people go and come back thats 5k per day or 250 per hour of operation new users that have been attracted due to the lower fares. 

 

In this case, I doubt very much that traffic congestion has improved.

[sungod]

1 hour ago, Wiggy said:

If they’re going to do this on the BTS, they are going to need longer and more frequent trains, as it’s pretty much mobbed most of the time. I can’t see it happening. 

Very quiet outside peak times

[kingstonkid]

7 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

This is all about headlines and not about helping people.  If it was about helping people it would be implemented on the lines that people actually use, like the blue line, and the BTS as well.

Tried this but it is great now all the lines are brand new.  The test is going to be when the lines get older and they have to repair equipment and buy new trains.  The Main BTS is going to be a nightmare.  It is already a nightmare at peak hours and there really is no way to add more trains to the system.  Imagine what it will bel like at Paragon, Asoke, LadPhrao and other stations.  People are going to use other methods just because they don't want to be standing in line on crowded platforms   

[josephbloggs]

8 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

This is all about headlines and not about helping people.  If it was about helping people it would be implemented on the lines that people actually use, like the blue line, and the BTS as well.

No, you're wrong. I am no fan of this puppet government but it's a good policy. They have started with the lines they can control: Red Line is SRT owned (state enterprise), the Purple Line is run by the MRTA (state enterprise). Also consider purple and red lines were under used so capacity is not a problem.

All other lines are currently privately owned and run and as such the government can not impose fares other than what was stipulated in their contracts.

Hopefully one day they can sort out agreeable compensation with those private enterprises and have a flat 20 baht across the whole network. It's a good start.

Edited October 25 by josephbloggs
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