No Additional Fare Increase On Skytrain

[Jai Dee]

BMA & BTS CONCLUDED THAT FARES ON SKYTRAIN PASSENGERS WILL NOT INCREASE DESPITE THE EXTRA 2.2 KILOMETERS COVERED

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has reiterated that the skytrain fares will be collected at the same rate despite an increase of 2.2 kilometers in distance.

Bangkok Governor APIRAK KOSAYOTHIN (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) today met with Bangkok Mass Transit System company executives to discuss the BTS extension on the Silom (สีลม) line. Resolution in passenger fares was agreed upon, whereby BTS would collect fares at the same rate of between 10-40 baht. Skytrain users will be able to go to Taksin (ตากสิน) junction on Thonburi (ธนบุรี) side without having to pay additional fare. Meanwhile people who only utilize the skytrain to cross between Taksin station and Taksin junction without going to other stations will be charged 10 baht, and this portion of fares collected would go towards the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. As many as 50,000 commuters per day are expected to fall into this category of passengers. Regarding the BMA's revenues from passengers whose travels to various stations also cover the extended 2.2 kilometers, a conclusion on this part of income distribution would be proposed in 2 weeks.

The Bangkok governor said he is confident the investment would not be a loss.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 November 2005