Transport Discounted BTS Packages Return to Ease Commuter Woes

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Photo by surachetsh's Images via Canva

 

The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) is set to bring back its popular travel packages, allowing passengers to purchase discounted monthly fares starting tomorrow, September 11. This move comes in response to calls from commuters amid uncertainty surrounding a proposed 20-baht flat fare policy.

 

Historically, BTS offered travel packages enabling customers to select between 15 and 35 trips per month at reduced rates. These packages were abruptly halted as the Ministry of Transport prepared for the potential implementation of a 20-baht flat fare, championed by Suriya Juangroongruangkit of the Pheu Thai Party. The initiative had initially been slated to begin on October 1 but was postponed to November 15 due to delays in passing necessary legislation, leaving commuters in a state of limbo.

 

The political landscape further complicated matters when Pheu Thai Party’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted from the prime ministerial position after a controversial call with Cambodia's former PM. This led to Anutin Charnvirakul’s appointment as the new Prime Minister, casting further doubt on the future of Pheu Thai’s policies, including the train fare scheme.

 

In response to growing uncertainty and public demand, the BTS announced via Facebook that it would reinstate its "Xtreme Savings" travel packages. These packages will be available for purchase through the Rabbit Rewards app and at all ticket offices. The offer includes:

 

For Adults:

• 15 trips/30 days for 570 baht (roughly 38 baht per trip)
• 25 trips/30 days for 900 baht (approximately 36 baht per trip)
• 35 trips/30 days for 1,190 baht (about 34 baht per trip)

 

For Students:

• 15 trips/30 days for 465 baht (around 31 baht per trip)
• 25 trips/30 days for 725 baht (close to 29 baht per trip)
• 35 trips/30 days for 945 baht (approximately 27 baht per trip)

 

Passengers must begin using their package within seven days of purchase to activate it.

 

Speaking on the flat fare proposal, PM Anutin remarked that careful assessment is crucial to determine whether the public will indeed benefit. He emphasised the importance of fiscal discipline, noting that some past projects have operated at a loss. Implementing the 20-baht fare policy could require government subsidies ranging from 6 to 8 billion baht annually to remain viable.

 

For now, the reinstated travel packages offer commuters an alternative solution as the government continues to deliberate over transportation policies. This move highlights the ongoing challenges and decisions faced by Bangkok’s leadership in balancing fiscal responsibility with public demand for affordable transit solutions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-11