Low train tickets prices in Bangkok to counter traffic and pollution
The government has approved a plan to cap rail fares at 20 baht (US$ 0.60) in the capital's metropolitan area. The aim is to encourage motorists to use public transport. The price applies only to Thai citizens, not foreigners. This represents savings of just under US$ 310 million.
Bangkok (AsiaNews) – The Thai cabinet approved a plan today to cap train fares in Greater Bangkok at 20 baht (about US$ 0.60) from 1 October, to help commuters reduce travel costs and encourage motorists to switch to public transport.
For government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub, the goal is to get more car users to take the train and reduce pollution in the capital and neighbouring provinces, the Bangkok Post reported.
This is a long-standing problem that has had a serious impact, casting a dark shadow over holidays like the Lunar New Year 2024.
The low-cost rail travel plan will cover all 13 mass transit lines, including the Airport Rail Link, which covers a 280-kilometre network, and 194 stations in Greater Bangkok.
The policy is for Thais only, who can register using the government-designed Tang Rat app starting in August. Foreigners will still have to pay a higher fare where applicable.
Commuters who register must link their prepaid Rabbit card or EMV contactless credit cards (Europay, Mastercard and Visa) to the app, depending on the routes they are taking.
The Rabbit card will be valid on the Green, Gold, Yellow and Pink lines, while the EMV contactless cards can be used on the Red, Blue, Purple, Pink and Yellow lines and the Airport Rail Link.
In the future, the system will also allow commuters to use QR codes from their banking apps, offering greater convenience and flexibility.
For Jirayu, the new fare system could save the country 10 billion baht a year (just under US$ 310 million) in fuel costs, road accidents, and pollution. The benefits of the project, he added, will be assessed a year after its launch.
The 20-baht flat rate currently applies to the red and purple electric train lines. Those of the other mass transit systems vary according to distance, and range from 17 to 43 baht on the MRT lines and from 15 to 62 baht on the BTS Skytrain system.
Most mass transit lines are operated under concession by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA).
Some lines, like the Purple Line, are directly controlled by MRTA, which has commissioned SET-listed Bangkok Expressway and Metro Co to run them.
To compensate operators for their losses, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the government would set up a joint ticketing fund, with an estimated eight billion baht coming from MRTA profits and state coffers.
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21/02/2018 14:39
