MRT underground train to slightly raise fare prices: Bangkok

[webfact]

MRT underground train to slightly raise fare prices



BANGKOK, 10 June 2014 (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has announced that passenger fares of the MRT underground train would be slightly increased within the next 30 days.

Somchai Siriwattana-choke, the Permanent-Secretary for Transport, has requested related agencies to prepare necessary documents for the price raise. According to a concession agreement signed between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) and the Bangkok Metro Public Co. Ltd (BMCL), passenger fares would be adjusted every two years. The rate adjustment for this period is set to be due on July 3rd, 2014.

However, the adjustment would be delayed because the MRT has to first get approval from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). In addition, the MRT must publicly announce their decisions to increase the fare at least one month prior to setting the new fare rate.

Even though the MRT board has approved the fare raise, the Transport Ministry still hasn’t proposed the matter to the NCPO to finalize their decision yet.

Passengers can expect to pay an additional 1-2 baht on every trip, if the new rates are adjusted. The minimum fare would still be maintained at 16 baht but the maximum fare would be increased to 42 baht instead of its usual 40 baht. The new rate adjustment is set to take place around early August.

-- NNT 2014-06-10

[terryp]

so slightly in Thai talk equals <10% MUCH higher than the inflation rate

[lomatopo]

I can't see the NCPO approving this as they've already frozen the price of pretty much everything for six months, so I'd expect this to get shelved until November?

[UbonRatch]

Not worth much of a comment.

What's 2B on 40 baht, or 1b on 25B, after no increase for 2 years. Negligible. Won't hurt anybody.

[Mister Fixit]

At least they have increased prices at a lower level than the robbing, inept Skytrain operators ...

[Bpuumike]

Remember that unlike BTS, over-60's get a good discount on MRT fares.

[doctorproc156]

MRT prices are quite low anyway, but the BTS prices are ridiculously high, BTS prices really need to be reduced.

[Mister Fixit]

Remember that unlike BTS, over-60's get a good discount on MRT fares.

Yes, I have a 'elder' card - very good value with 50% off fares.

Just take your passport to any MRT station and get the card - easy as ...

Why the BTS can't do it, I don't understand. I know you can get their stored value cards but they run out after a month, so you have to use the BTS daily or you lose money. However, I only ever use the crowded, horrible BTS under duress and when there's no alternative.

Edited June 11, 2014 by Mister Fixit

[Mister Fixit]

MRT prices are quite low anyway, but the BTS prices are ridiculously high, BTS prices really need to be reduced.

They certainly need to be made more sensible - 31 baht here, 42 baht there ... When they raised prices, why didn't they stay with multiples of 5 baht? Much easier for everyone and would have resulted in less long queues for change.

I went to the UK for a month last July/August which is when I think the prices were increased and these idiotic fares started - I went down town and there were HUGE queues about 5 deep for change and at the ticket machines. It was mayhem for weeks ...

Now, as I said previously, I try never to use the BTS unless I REALLY have to - it has become a victim of its own success and really needs more rolling stock and a revised timetable.

Edited June 11, 2014 by Mister Fixit

[Starre]

Come to Australia and then you'll know about high public transport prices. It costs me 150 baht just to go 2 stops on the bus.

[harrry]

Come to Australia and then you'll know about high public transport prices. It costs me 150 baht just to go 2 stops on the bus.

Australia encourages excercise so they give an incentive to walk the 200 metres.