As you stroll through the buzzing Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, you might notice a rather eye-catching sign announcing the 20-baht flat-fare rate on the Red Line trains. On that breezy morning of October 16, 2023, a unique travel revolution was afoot, capturing the attention of commuters and sparking discussions across the city. All courtesy of the lens of Apichart Jinakul, whose photograph immortalized the moment.
The much-celebrated cabinet has gone above and beyond by approving a 400 million baht budget, supporting the extension of this affordable fare for the Red and Purple electric train lines for yet another year. This extension blankets the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Red lines—spanning from the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Taling Chan along the Nakhon Withi Line, and rolling from the very same terminal to Rangsit in Pathum Thani on the Thani Ratthaya Line. It’s a joyful ride extended to the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line as well, stretching from Bangkok’s Tao Poon station to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi, as shared by government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub last Friday.
The charm of the 20-baht flat fare will remain part of the city’s allure until November 30, 2025. And while commuters rejoice, there’s an air of anticipation as similar measures are being pondered for other routes, Mr. Jirayu hints.
Meanwhile, on other mass-transit systems, fares are a bit of a rollercoaster, dancing by distances anywhere between 17 and 43 baht on the MRT, and 15 to 62 baht on the BTS Skytrain. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, a crusader for public affordability, notes that the ethos behind this flat fare is to lessen the financial burdens on citizens, curb inequality, and bolster accessibility within our vibrant metropolis.
In his grand vision, Minister Suriya aspires to witness a unified 20-baht flat rate encompass all electric train lines serving Greater Bangkok by next September. To turn this vision into a reality, the government contemplates acquiring concessions from other operators, a daunting prospect estimated at hundreds of millions of baht. An ambitious idea has surfaced—charging motorists a congestion fee of 40 to 50 baht to use the major roads threading through the congested veins of the capital, thus raising the needed funds.
Brushing aside whispers of substantial economic loss from the implementation of the 20-baht policy, Minister Suriya energetically cites the Red and Purple lines’ daily loss figure of 6.9 million baht, a figure once daunting but now a distant memory as passenger numbers surged. Since October 2023’s fare reduction, there has been a shimmering 26.4% increase in passengers, turning red figures into flourishing green within a brisk three months.
As daily commuters whiz through the city’s electric arteries, lives intertwined with this vibrant transport ecosystem continue to thrive. The impact of this fare policy goes beyond numbers—it promises a future where transportation in Bangkok dances to the rhythm of accessibility, efficiency, and equality for all.
The 20-baht flat fare is truly a win for Bangkok’s commuters. It makes the city more accessible for everyone.
While I get the excitement, this could also strain the city’s budget. How will they sustain it long-term?
Good point, Larry. I believe the congestion fee idea could solve the funding issues if implemented wisely.
Government spending on public services shouldn’t be seen as a strain but as an investment in people.
I love the idea of a unified flat fare, but taxing motorists even more? That’s going to hit hard, especially with existing road tolls.
True, but it might force more people to use public transport, which could reduce traffic in the long run.
Motorists should pay for the convenience they get. The congestion fee might actually improve traffic woes.
Why not focus more on enhancing the existing train services instead of spending on new fare strategies?
Enhancing services is great, but affordability is a key factor in encouraging public transport use.
I don’t see how this can be financially sustainable for the long term, especially with inflationary pressures.
Honestly, Suriya’s vision for the 20-baht flat fare across all lines is a pipe dream without serious financial backing.
It’s ambitious, sure, but groundbreaking ideas often sound crazy initially. Didn’t we say that about Wi-Fi on planes once?
True, but we also have to live within our means. Dreams need resources.
I think the increase in passengers shows there’s a demand for affordable public transport, enough to gamble on such policies.
Increasing numbers doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t revert if fares go back up. This could just be an anomaly.
This could serve as a model for other cities battling heavy traffic congestion and spiraling costs of living.
Other cities have different economic dynamics though. What works in Bangkok might fail elsewhere.
I agree. Context is key. Every city needs its own tailored approach.
A flat fare system is truly progressive! Less stress for daily commuters over how much they’ll spend on transport.
Motorists being charged more could push them to public transport, thereby decreasing emissions and traffic.
But not everyone has the option to switch easily. Public transport needs to become more reliable first.
There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Expect property taxes to go up next.
This flat fare initiative reflects how governments can innovate to meet public needs, if only temporarily.
Why not invest in bike lanes? It’d naturally reduce traffic and promote a healthier lifestyle!
The fare increase in passenger numbers is underestimated. It indicates a strong shift towards public transport.
Making all public transport 20 baht seems like a socialist approach. Let’s not forget the economy runs on private investments too.
Affordable transport doesn’t undermine private investments; it supports a healthy, productive workforce.