The highly anticipated 20-baht flat fare for mass transit in Greater Bangkok, scheduled for launch in October, is now likely to be delayed as key legislation remains tied up in parliament.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit admitted on Tuesday that the probable delay in passing three crucial bills would mean the October 1 rollout cannot proceed as planned. A new launch date has not yet been finalised, though the minister suggested mid-November as the earliest target.
The 20-baht flat fare is one of the flagship policies of the ruling Pheu Thai Party. Its implementation, however, is conditional upon the passage of three enabling laws: the Rail Transport Bill, the Common Ticketing System Management Bill, and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Bill.
Mr. Suriya explained that the absence of a quorum in previous parliamentary sessions had already stalled several pieces of legislation.
“The three fare-enabling bills face the same obstacle,” he said. He apologised for the expected delay, adding that he hoped the package would move swiftly through the Senate once it cleared the House.
The Rail Transport Bill is designed to set the overall direction for the country’s rail systems. The Common Ticketing System Management Bill will allow commuters to use a single ticket across all modes of mass transit in Greater Bangkok, including trains, buses, and ferries, under the flat fare.
Meanwhile, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand Bill will empower the agency to channel income from concessions and other ventures into subsidising the project, which will also require additional support from the state budget.
Public interest in the scheme has been immediate. More than 200,000 people signed up for the 20-baht fare on Monday, the first day of registration.
Vice Transport Minister Krichanont Iyapunya said on Tuesday that the Tang Rat app had recorded 200,583 applicants on its opening day.
The first phase of the programme will extend across 13 existing metro lines served by 194 stations throughout Greater Bangkok. The discounted fare is available only to Thai citizens.
