File photo for reference only

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is contemplating a hike in the maximum fare for the BTS train service from Bt47 to Bt65, as confirmed by Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. This potential increase aims to address the significant losses suffered by the city administration, with current annual costs reaching approximately Bt8 billion, while revenues fall short at just Bt2 billion. Consequently, the city bears a substantial deficit of Bt6 billion from operating the Green Line service.

 

Governor Chadchart highlighted that utilizing taxpayer reserve funds to subsidize the Green Line fares is inequitable, especially for those infrequent or non-users of the service. To create fairness among all taxpayers, the fare may be adjusted to better reflect the actual operating costs. Interestingly, while the maximum fare could increase, there may be a reduction in the current minimum fare of 17 baht for shorter trips.

 

Chadchart emphasized that the ticket pricing issue is separate from the existing debt owed to BTS for the train's operation. The BMA is set to pay off Bt32 billion of this debt by the month's end, as mandated by the Central Administrative Court. Following this payment, around Bt6 billion will remain in the city's reserve fund, necessitating prudent management.

 

The wider government context involves the halting of a scheme proposed by the Pheu Thai-led government, endorsed by the Anutin administration, to cap train fares across Bangkok and suburban routes at Bt20 per trip, irrespective of travel distance. This move suggests ongoing deliberations and potential shifts in Bangkok's public transport policy.

 

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok considers increasing the maximum BTS fare to Bt65 to offset losses.
• Current train fare hikes are distinct from the debt issue with BTS operations.
• A proposal to unify regional train fares at Bt20 per trip is currently paused.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-10-09

 

 

Bangkok's BTS and MRT are already the most expensive transportation networks in the world, when taking into account local incomes and minimum wages.

And what happened to the announcement of a uniform travel fare on BTS, MTR, and buses to 20 baht???

7 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

And what happened to the announcement of a uniform travel fare on BTS, MTR, and buses to 20 baht???

 

21 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

A proposal to unify regional train fares at Bt20 per trip is currently paused.