Thailand’s cabinet has approved a 400 million baht budget to continue the 20-baht flat fare on the Red and Purple electric train lines for an additional year.
This fare extension affects the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red lines: the Nakhon Withi Line, which runs from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Taling Chan; and the Thani Ratthaya Line from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Rangsit in Pathum Thani.
Additionally, the flat fare includes the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line, stretching from Tao Poon station in Bangkok to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi, according to government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub.
The established 20-baht fare will remain valid until November 30, 2025.
Mr. Jirayu mentioned that similar fare adjustments are under consideration for other lines.
Fare structures on other mass transit systems are distance-based, with charges on MRT routes ranging from 17 to 43 baht and on the BTS Skytrain from 15 to 62 baht.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that the 20-baht flat fare aims to alleviate financial strains on the public, promote equality, and enhance accessibility for everyone.
He is advocating for a uniform 20-baht fare across all electric train lines in Greater Bangkok by September of the following year.
To realize this objective, the government anticipates the need to purchase the concessions from other operators, which could cost hundreds of millions of baht.
To help fund this, the minister proposed a congestion charge of 40-50 baht for motorists using major roads in the capital area.
Mr. Suriya dismissed claims of significant financial losses due to the 20-baht fare policy, pointing out that the Red and Purple lines were initially losing 6.9 million baht daily until passenger numbers significantly increased.
As a result, fare revenues recovered within three months, and passenger numbers have surged by 26.4% since the fare reduction began in October 2023, the minister reported.
