The government has decided to extend the 20-baht flat fare for the Red and Purple electric train lines for another year. The budget of 400 million baht has been approved to support this extension. This flat fare will apply to specific State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red lines and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line until Nov 30, 2025.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit aims to implement a 20-baht flat rate for all electric train lines serving Greater Bangkok by September next year. This initiative is part of an effort to reduce financial burdens for the public, address inequality, and enhance accessibility for all citizens. Mr. Suriya is considering extending this affordable flat rate to other lines as well.
Currently, fares on different mass-transit systems vary based on the distance traveled. For instance, prices range from 17 to 43 baht on the MRT routes and 15 to 62 baht on the BTS Skytrain system. Despite concerns about financial losses, Minister Suriya dismissed these worries by pointing out that the Red and Purple lines saw a 26.4% increase in the number of passengers after implementing the lower fares in October 2023.
To raise funds for this initiative, the government is contemplating a congestion charge of 40-50 baht for motorists using major roads in the capital region. Although this proposal may face challenges, the government is committed to making public transportation more affordable and efficient for all residents in the area. The 20-baht flat fare extension will help to achieve this goal and improve the overall commuting experience for Bangkok residents.