Bangkok Rail Overhaul Proposes Capped Fares and State Takeover

Thailand’s transport minister has proposed introducing electric-train fares of between 17 and 45 baht per journey from the beginning of 2027. A common ticketing system would allow passengers to transfer between Bangkok rail lines while paying a single capped fare. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand would collect payments across the network and refund any overcharges within one to three days. A second phase would involve buying back private rail concessions for more than 200 billion baht and bringing the network under a single state-controlled operator. The wider plan could eventually introduce unlimited travel passes and extend integrated fares to buses and passenger boats.

State takeover? SRT?

Kiss of death.

State takeover? SRT?

Kiss of death.

As I understand it, a lot of the SRT's money comes from renting their high $$ real estate near the MRT and BTS lines to shopping malls, etc.

It would be interesting to see what the state would actually take over? I could envision where the taxpayers would get stuck with all the loss making part of the operation and the HiSos would end up with just the good parts that throw out cash left and right.

But then, I am rather cynical.

4 minutes ago, impulse said:

As I understand it, a lot of the SRT's money comes from renting their high $$ real estate near the MRT and BTS lines to shopping malls, etc.

It would be interesting to see what the state would actually take over? I could envision where the taxpayers would get stuck with all the loss making part of the operation and the HiSos would end up with just the good parts that throw out cash left and right.

But then, I am rather cynical.

Yep, govt usually fails miserably at everything they touch. They do need to up the subsidies on the rail lines, as the fares surely aren't paying the bills. Upkeep and adding more rolling stock surely are taking a hit, and will lead to safety issues sooner or later.

Way too congested now (BTS / MRT), and will only get worst without more carriages being added.