Bangkok Sees 60% Train Ridership Surge with Free Transport

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

In Greater Bangkok, train usage spiked by 60% on January 26, the second day of a government-backed free public transport week. The initiative is aimed at reducing air pollution, according to the Department of Rail Transport (DRT).

 

DRT director, Pichet Kunathammarak, reported that the city's electric train network recorded 1,549,622 trips—up 60.90% from the average of the first three Sundays in January. This increase outstripped the 45.29% rise seen on January 25, the initiative's opening day.

 

Between January 25 and 31, Bangkok residents enjoy complimentary travel on public buses and trains as a strategy to combat harmful PM2.5 air pollutants.

 

Here's the breakdown of increased ridership for January 26 by train line:

 

 

• Airport Rail Link**: +34.36% to 69,199 trips.
• Red Line**: +72.44% to 43,083 trips.
• Blue Line**: +48.38% to 417,740 trips.
• Purple Line**: +46.76% to 55,164 trips.
• BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit and Silom routes)**: +62.46% to 805,591 trips.
• Gold Line**: +153.07% to 16,470 trips.
• Yellow Line**: +114.47% to 64,662 trips.
• Pink Line**: +122.36% to 77,713 trips.

 

Pichet also noted that MRT and BTS operators are advised to manage peak-hour ridership by adjusting train frequency.

 

On the morning of January 27, amid rush hour, high demand led to free ticket distributions at popular BTS stations, such as Siam and Mo Chit, due to overwhelmed ticket machines. Many commuters wore masks to fend off the fine dust, as observed by local media.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that once the campaign ends, the government will assess its effectiveness before considering an extension. While some critics have questioned its impact on reducing car usage, which costs 140 million baht (US$4 million), Suriya is hopeful about its potential to cut road traffic. He suggested checking with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, which uses CCTV across Bangkok to track traffic changes.

 

-- 2025-01-28

 

 

[steven100]

I've used it a few times and I think it's an excellent incentive. 

 

Ok,  it's crowded,  but still manageable to use.  Hope it gets extended another week.  

[watchcat]

On 1/28/2025 at 10:54 AM, steven100 said:

 

 

On 1/28/2025 at 10:54 AM, steven100 said:

Hope it gets extended another week.

 

With all the chinese people comming I'd recommend using a N95 mask.

[DonniePeverley]

Meanwhile the red busses that blow out black diesel smoke are still driving around with impunity.

 

Traffic around where i live is insane, and has seen no drop. If anything it feels worst.

 

IMO the only ones benefiting from this are those who normally don't use the BTS / MRT are using it as opportunity to get out and about for free. Also the sheer volume of Chinese tourists here for New Years are have a field day getting around for free. 

 

It's a sheer waste of money, because fate had the wind blow the harsh pollution away.

 

If pollution was an issue and health a priority to keep people away from the pollution, that has ironically driven people to travel around for free that normally would be staying home. 

 

The money should have been used to change all public vehicles electric, remove the red emitting diesel busses. 

 

The pollution is set to return in a few weeks anyways. So a temporary plaster measure was a sheer waste.