The Transport Ministry is setting the wheels in motion for a groundbreaking initiative to lighten the financial load of Bangkok’s daily commuters. The visionary 20-baht flat fee for all electric rail services in Bangkok is set to be financed by an annual budget of 8 billion baht, confirmed Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit on Tuesday. A dedicated working group will be formed to accelerate the policy’s implementation, aiming to cap the maximum fare at just 20 baht by September 2025, significantly reducing the cost of living for the public.
Since October 16 of last year, the ministry has already test-driven the scheme on two key lines: the Red Line commuter trains running between Bang Sue and Rangsit, as well as Bang Sue and Taling Chan, alongside the MRT Purple Line stretching from Tao Poon to Bang Yai. Both routes have seen an encouraging surge in passenger numbers, Minister Suriya pointed out.
To assure the project hits full speed, a specialized team will be on hand to meticulously manage and fast-track various critical elements. This includes lobbying for a draft law to establish a joint-ticketing system and accumulating the requisite funds. The integrated ticketing system is a pivotal piece that must fall into place by September next year, enabling seamless travel and easing restrictions imposed by existing concession agreements.
Progress on the draft law might experience a slight lag, approximately a month, due to the recent change in government. As Minister Suriya elaborated, the law’s enactment involves numerous stages, including a legal review by the Council of State, anticipated to take about four months. He has urged the concerned authorities to expedite this process to meet the ambitious deadline.
The draft legislation will also require the green light from the new cabinet, the House of Representatives, and the Senate before moving forward for royal endorsement and enforcement. Despite the procedural hurdles, Suriya remains optimistic that the 20-baht flat fee could indeed see the light of day by next September, as initially slated.
According to the Department of Rail Transport, executing this all-encompassing fare cap policy demands about 8 billion baht annually. With a collective budgetary requirement of 16 billion baht over the government’s remaining term, the initial funding will be drawn from income shares of the MRT Blue Line, which amounts to a substantial 15 billion baht. This funding strategy has the backing of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. Additionally, the ministry is scouting for supplementary funds from various sources, including the Energy Conservation Fund.
As Bangkok inches closer to this transportation utopia, the resonance of a 20-baht flat fee echoes a commitment to transforming the daily grind into a more affordable and pleasant commute. So, tighten your seatbelts, Bangkokians, because come September 2025, your journey to and from work might just become the breeziest part of your day!
The 20 bhat maximum charge.
Is that 20 bhat wherever BTS goes? If yes…
Does that include transfer to MRT and to wherever MRTGoes?
And so ones that means
that one can go anywhere BTS/MRT goes for a maximum fee of 20 bhat?
OR
Does 20 bhat maximum mean the max charge on EACH colored line ….of which there are many?