19-4-2024 (BANGOK) The 20-baht train fare cap, a key promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, has seen partial implementation since October last year on the SRT Red Line and the MRT Purple Line.
In response to criticism from Surachet Pravinvongvuth, an opposition MP from the Move Forward Party, regarding the feasibility of the project, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit affirmed its importance and feasibility. He emphasized that the policy aims to enhance transportation and logistics while alleviating financial burdens for Thais. Currently, single train rides in Bangkok can cost as much as 192 baht.
Suriya reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding the fare cap initiative to encompass more train lines. He pledged that by September 2025, fares across all electric train routes would be capped at 20 baht.
Addressing skeptics, Suriya asserted, “Those who claimed that it could not be done would see all train fares capped at 20 baht.”
To facilitate the fare cap on all routes, the ministry is drafting a joint-ticket bill, allowing commuters to use a single ticket/card across the public transport network and at participating shops and service providers. Additionally, a fund will be established to compensate operators for revenue losses resulting from the fare cap.
Suriya disclosed that the draft legislation would soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval.
Highlighting the broader environmental benefits, Suriya emphasized that increased usage of electric trains, as eco-friendly mass transport options, would contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and PM2.5 fine dust particles in the city.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Suriya concluded, “The government intends to keep its promise of capping all train fares at 20 baht within two years.”
