Within three months, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit pledged to reduce train fares on the Purple and Red lines to a maximum of 20 baht for the entire route.
Responding to queries from MPs and senators about the Pheu Thai party’s pre-election promise to cut all the electric train fares in Bangkok and its suburbs to only 20 baht, Suriya said that the fare reduction could be done first, as a pilot project, on the two lines, which are operated by a state agency, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.
The Purple line connects Taopoon and Khlong Bang Phai via 23 kilometers and 16 stations. Currently, fares begin at 14 baht and reach a maximum of 42 baht. The Red line runs from Taling Chan to Rangsit along a distance of 41 kilometers and 13 stations. Currently, fares range from 14 baht to a maximum of 42 baht.
The minister stated that because private concessionaires run the other electric train lines, the Transport Ministry will have to bargain with them for up to six months in order to lower the fares.
Regarding the Green line, which is owned by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and operated by BTS under concession contracts because there are two extensions, Suriya stated that the Transport Ministry is ready to provide assistance based on the “right principles” if the BMA resolves its issues.
The Green line is considerably more complex. There are two extension phases. From Taksin Bridge or Wongwian Yai station to Bang Wa station, and from On Nut station to Bearing station. The BMA was responsible for the investment in infrastructure construction, while BTS invested in installing operating systems and carriages. During M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra’s tenure as governor, the BMA granted BTS a 30-year concession to operate the two extension routes, which is set to expire in 2042.
When MRT invested in the infrastructure of the second segment of the extension, from Bearing station to Keha station in Samut Prakan and from Mor Chit to Khu Khot in Pathum Thani, the problem became more complicated.
BTS was entrusted to operate the two extension routes in the second phase, but it is unable to collect train fares from passengers due to the lack of a fare agreement.
The BMA owes BTS and MRT an estimated 100 billion baht in total.
READ MORE https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Line_(Bangkok)
