SRT Red line train | Photo via Chitipat Witee/Witee Photography/Wikipedia

 

Operators of Bangkok's Red and Purple metro lines will end the 20-baht fare cap on October 1, reverting to standard fare rates. This policy shift aligns with the transition from a Pheu Thai to a Bhumjaithai-led government. Starting October 1, the fares will return to their original structures, ending the pilot phase that began on October 16, 2023.

 

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Ministry of Transport are coordinating the change, with discussions finalizing the cessation of the fare cap. Sutep Punthupeng, CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co Ltd, confirmed that the standard fare collections would resume. Current fares for the Red Line range from 12 to 42 baht, with discounts for students and the elderly, while the Purple Line fares range from 14 to 42 baht.

 

Pheu Thai Party's deputy spokesperson, Chanin Rungtanakiat, has expressed disappointment, urging the new government to maintain the 20-baht cap. He emphasized the policy's benefits, reaching over 100,000 commuters and boosting revenues by 12.28% through increased ridership. Despite attempts to extend the cap, two bills crucial for the fare scheme’s extension could not be passed in time.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit postponed the flat fare scheme launch from October to November due to legislative delays. Looking ahead, the lack of approved measures necessitates adaptation to the returning fare structures, affecting commuters financially.

 

Key Takeaways

• Metro fare cap ends, returning to standard rates on October 1.
• Policy shift linked to a new government; discussions ongoing.
• Policy previously boosted revenues and ridership without heavy subsidies.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-22

 

 

Well, like with anything else in Thai politics - no choice. They will hardly lose any commuters for the absence of alternatives; some few might crawl back to the best bus services in Asia. 

If you're serious about traffic and get those commuter services properly running, forget about ticketing completely and finance all this through taxes; it will have a definitive impact such as less road traffic and less staff costs. Flip side will be full trains which bring down the cost per passenger drastically.

Yes, I know, it will not happen as the majority here does not even know how to write taxes ....... thank you! 

Bang Sue to Rangsit for 20baht vs. 42 baht was a great price. The 20 baht should be used during non-rush hours that seems to be the majority of occupancy.

23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He emphasized the policy's benefits, reaching over 100,000 commuters and boosting revenues by 12.28% through increased ridership.

 

If revenue went up with the 20 baht fare cap, how will cancelling the cap save money for the government? 🤔