The Bangkok Metropolitan Council is urging the Ministry of Transport to implement a flat fare of 20 baht for all electric railway systems, with the policy anticipated to take effect within the next year.
Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, an adviser to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, recently met with city councillors to discuss the initiative, which aims to lower transportation costs for residents and promote the use of public transport to combat air pollution.
The ministry has received a report from the Department of Rail Transport indicating a 26% year-on-year increase in ridership on the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Red Line and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line. The report highlighted that the introduction of a 20-baht maximum fare for these lines in October of last year has successfully encouraged more individuals to opt for public transportation.
Regarding the city’s other rail lines, Mr. Pongkawin mentioned that a draft of the Common Ticketing System Management Act is currently in progress. Once enacted, this law will establish a 20-baht maximum fare for all electric rail lines, with an expected implementation date by September of next year.
Currently, fares on the two most utilized mass transit systems vary based on distance, ranging from 17 to 43 baht on the MRT routes and from 15 to 62 baht on the BTS Skytrain.
Additionally, a proposal for a common ticketing system fund is under consideration. This fund, projected to be established by March 2026, would provide financial compensation to rail line operators that may be impacted by the new 20-baht fare policy.
Viput Srivaurai, vice-chairman of the city council, has emphasized the importance of launching the policy promptly.
