Subway Revenue Up Despite Fares Increases

[george]

Subway revenue up despite fares increases

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok subway revenue is up even though the number of passengers has declined since the fares were increased on 5 June, according to transport officials.

Revenue has increased by more than 10% or around 500,000 baht, although the number of passengers fell by about 20,000 a day, the governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), Prapat Chongsanguan told TNA.

Fares on the subway were increased a week ago by between 12 to 31 baht for trips from Bang Sue to Hua Lampong railway station, depending on the distance.

Mr. Prapat said he was confident that the number of commuters would increase again in the future because more people are likely to switch to public transport as a result of the sharp rise in the country’s gasoline prices.

--TNA 2005-06-12

[The Coder]

Revenue has increased by more than 10% or around 500,000 baht, although the number of passengers fell by about 20,000 a day

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Just a little bit sad as surely the poor working class are the ones forced back on city buses in order to improve subway revenue. They could probably charge 1 million baht a ticket and just shuttle around a few of the richest people and improve revenue too. Would have been nice if public transport was designed such that everyone could benefit from it. I sympathize with those with no choice other than gridlock on the hot, dirty streets in non-airconditioned buses when there's a subway running with empty seats. Sounds like the subway is trying to become more private than public.

[exp9696]

yes,verry sad but true

[~G~]

An MRT card gives cheaper fares. More people buy them now - which means more money paid in advance to the MRT. And a deposit as well, which is money in the bank which can be invested and make extra profit.

You will not find empty seats during the peak hours. You will find people squeezed like sardines in a can.

what I do find strange is that there are no advertisments whatsoever in the MRT, while there are advertisements virtually in every inch of the BTS. These can pay for lower fares during off-peak hours.

Let's say, if during off-peak hours a ride will only cost 5-10 baht. During peak hours it will cost the same. So the reduction in fare will not result in greater crowds in peak hours.

[sriracha john]

Published on Jun 3, 2005

Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), has awarded the subway advertising concession to Tri-Ads Co Ltd, in which it owns 54 per cent. Advertising will start to appear in the third quarter of this year.

BMCL managing director Dr Sombat Kitjalaksana said revenue from sub-leases for shops, advertising, and mobile phone services would reach Bt800 million next year.

One would hope that much money might help subsidize the fares for the poorer segment of society that Coder rightfully pleads for.