The number of passengers riding the SRT Red Line has surged by 26% since the introduction of a capped 20-baht fare in October last year, according to the Department of Rail Transport. It’s clear that Bangkok’s residents are embracing this more affordable public transport option.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Council is voicing strong support for extending the 20-baht fare to all electric railway systems. It’s anticipated that this fare policy could take effect within the next year. Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit, an adviser to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit, recently met with city councilors to hash out the policy, which aims to slash commuting costs and lure more people to use eco-friendly public transport, thereby helping reduce air pollution.
In the latest report from the Department of Rail Transport, data shows a significant year-on-year increase in passengers on both the SRT Red Line and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Line. The 20-baht maximum fare, implemented last October, has been a key factor in this uptick in ridership.
Pongkawin mentioned that a Common Ticketing System Management Act is currently being drafted. This important piece of legislation, once enacted, will cap fares on all electric rail lines at 20 baht. The act is expected to become law by September next year. This is great news for commuters who currently pay between 17 and 43 baht on MRT routes, and between 15 and 62 baht on the BTS Skytrain system, depending on the distance traveled.
To support this initiative, a common ticketing system fund is being proposed. Expected to be established by March 2026, this fund will compensate rail line operators who might be financially impacted by the 20-baht fare cap. It’s a strategic move to ensure the sustainability of rail services while keeping fares low for passengers.
Viput Srivaurai, the city council vice-chairman, emphasized the urgency of rolling out the 20-baht fare policy as soon as possible. The entire city council is eager to see this policy in action, recognizing its potential to make daily commutes more affordable and environmentally friendly.
In a city as bustling and vibrant as Bangkok, affordable and efficient public transport is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. The 20-baht fare policy promises to transform the way residents move around, making everyday life a bit easier and a lot greener. With continued government support and strategic planning, the future of Bangkok’s public transport looks bright and budget-friendly.
This is amazing news! Finally, Bangkok is doing something right for its citizens.
I agree, but it’ll be interesting to see if they can sustain the rail operators with just a 20-baht fare.
Exactly! Cheap fares are great, but what happens if the system crumbles from underfunding?
Good point. I hope the common ticketing system fund actually works as intended.
Well, if more people start using it, won’t that balance out?
It might, but that depends on how much the increase in ridership offsets the lower fares.
Let’s hope they have a detailed plan in place for that.
I don’t see why everyone thinks this is such a big deal. It’s just a minor change.
Minor? It’s a huge help for low-income families who rely on public transport daily.
Not to mention the environmental benefits! Reducing pollution is a massive win.
Sure, but I doubt it’ll make that much of a difference in the long run.
Skepticism is fine, but we should give it a chance to prove itself.
Exactly, give it time. The positive impact might surprise you.
Why cap fares at 20 baht? This will negatively impact the rail companies.
The government has a fund to support them. Plus, increased ridership can offset the lower fares.
Jane is right. More riders mean more revenue in other ways too.
That sounds optimistic, but I’m not fully convinced.
This will be fantastic during rush hours. Cheaper and less traffic!
Exactly! The roads are a nightmare during peak times.
Less cars on the road might actually make driving bearable again.
And cleaner air, which is desperately needed.
I’m skeptical. Quality might drop if fare caps lead to budget cuts.
They claim they’ve planned for financial sustainability. Let’s see how it goes.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
We should at least give it a chance before judging.
Other cities should adopt this fare cap model if it works!
True, but each city has different needs and challenges.
Fair point, but Bangkok could set a precedent.
Extending this to all electric railways is a great move!
This is just a publicity stunt by politicians.
Why does it take until 2026 to establish a fund? Bureaucracy slows everything down.
How will they ensure the fund actually supports the operators sufficiently?
The environmental aspect alone makes this worth it.
What if the capped fare isn’t enough in the long term?
It could be a game-changer, but details will matter.
I hope this leads to better managed and cleaner public transport.
Let’s not forget, these changes impact a lot of working-class commuters.
Public transport needs these reforms to stay relevant and efficient.
Will 20 baht still be enough five years from now?
This could reduce the social gap in access to transportation.
This needs to be well-planned, rushed policy implementation can backfire.
Such policies must be closely monitored to ensure they meet their objectives.