House Backs Single-Ticket Plan for Trains and Buses in Bangkok

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Today, the House approved the Pheu Thai Party’s proposal for a single ticket system with a vote count of 226 to 142. This system promises to simplify travel by allowing passengers to use one ticket for both urban trains and bus services.

 

A similar proposal by the People’s Party was set aside in favor of the government's plan.

 

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained the bill's details. The Office of Traffic Policy and Planning will oversee the development, and ticket prices will be determined by the Transport Ministry. The bill also includes a fund to support the initiative and transport operators.

 

 

Minister Charoensri highlighted that the new ticketing system will cut costs for commuters and provide a more seamless travel experience, potentially encouraging more people to switch from private cars to public transport.

 

However, Surachet Praweenawongwut, a People’s Party MP, expressed concerns. He noted that the Pheu Thai Party’s focus on a 20-baht fare for train services might not fully address overall transport costs. The People’s Party bill aimed to create an integrated fare system spanning 8 to 45 baht, covering trains, buses, and boats.

 

-- 2025-01-29

 

 

[bokningar]

45 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

However, Surachet Praweenawongwut, a People’s Party MP, expressed concerns. He noted that the Pheu Thai Party’s focus on a 20-baht fare for train services might not fully address overall transport costs. The People’s Party bill aimed to create an integrated fare system spanning 8 to 45 baht, covering trains, buses, and boats.

Seams like an idea that can work over time.

So that will probably never happen.

Anything involving planing ahead, usually never is a part of decision making here. 

[Searat7]

A good start would be to have one card covering BTS, MRT and Airport Link. This was promised 10 years ago by the Junta.

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The People’s Party bill aimed to create an integrated fare system spanning 8 to 45 baht, covering trains, buses, and boats.

Hope for the future

[freedomnow]

51 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

A good start would be to have one card covering BTS, MRT and Airport Link. This was promised 10 years ago by the Junta.

The issue with that is - someone has to logically think that out and come up with a solution.

[Classic Ray]

18 minutes ago, freedomnow said:

The issue with that is - someone has to logically think that out and come up with a solution.

The problem comes with incompatible tokens/fare collection systems between BTS and the other operators. Plus it would necessitate revenue disclosure when apportioning the shares of the revenue generated by travel across different operators. MRT never been keen on that. Someone closer may be able to update us about that.

[Drumbuie]

56 minutes ago, Classic Ray said:

The problem comes with incompatible tokens/fare collection systems between BTS and the other operators. Plus it would necessitate revenue disclosure when apportioning the shares of the revenue generated by travel across different operators. MRT never been keen on that. Someone closer may be able to update us about that.

If everyone had a card, not a token, which is swiped every time there's a change of operator during a journey, it would be possible, and relatively easy, to automatically allocate the fare proportionately between each of the operators. 

 

Because, you know, computers.... 

[cdemundo]

11 hours ago, bokningar said:

Seams like an idea that can work over time.

So that will probably never happen.

Anything involving planing ahead, usually never is a part of decision making here. 

I would cite the counter example of the expansion of the rail system.

Extension of the BTS into Samut Prakan and at the north end to Khu Kot.

The Pink, Yellow and Purple line construction as well.

Compare the current extent of the rail system to what it was in the year 2000.

I think the BTS Sukhimvit line went from Mo Chit to On Nut, not exactly sure but I think those were

the north and south terminals at that time.

 

I am not saying the entire project was done perfectly but you might compare to the development of a high speed rail project in the US state of California and conclude the Thailand has done pretty well.

 

Cue the Thai bashers and the classic mention of brown envelopes, even still...

 

 

 

[NoshowJones]

5 hours ago, freedomnow said:

The issue with that is - someone has to logically think that out and come up with a solution.

Understandable. The soldiers in charge have probably around the same IQ as the ordinary Somchai in the street.

[newnative]

    After this week's free train service chaos I'm against anything that gets even more passengers on the already packed trains.  Pity they did not use all the money they are spending for the free train rides to add two rail cars to all the trains, starting with the lines that are the most crowded.