Transport Pink Line Sees 68% Drop in Ridership on First Day of Paid Service

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The introduction of fares on the extended Pink Line in Nonthaburi led to a sharp 68% drop in passenger numbers, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport.

 

On Tuesday, marking the beginning of commercial service after a free test period, the Muang Thong Thani extension saw a notable decline. From 217,621 riders during the test run (May 20 to June 16), numbers fell dramatically on the first day of fare collection.

 

The free period averaged 7,772 passengers daily, with weekdays seeing 6,719 and weekends 9,668. The peak was on May 31, with 23,159 users, while June 3 had the least at 1,650. The THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia 2025 event (May 27-31) boosted daily averages to 16,669.

 

However, with fares starting on June 17, only 2,168 riders used the extension, showcasing a 68% downturn. Despite this, the system-wide Pink Line ridership saw a modest 3.6% decrease, from 75,678 to 72,976 daily users.

 

The significant drop on the new extended line raises questions about fare pricing and accessibility, as authorities assess commuter behaviour and potential adjustments to encourage use.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-20