A sign promoting the 20-baht maximum fare is seen in front of the Red Line commuter train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Former deputy governor of Bangkok, Samart Ratchapolsitte, has thrown his full support behind former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s intriguing proposition. This plan involves the government swooping in to buy back electric railway concessions in a bid to cap fares at a friendly 20 baht per trip. Samart shared his enthusiastic endorsement on Facebook, right after caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed alignment with Thaksin’s insightful vision, correlating closely with the ministry’s own policies on affordable train services.
Under this visionary plan, the transport and finance ministries would team up to snag those rail concessions from private entities and then get them to run the operations until the original terms wrap up. Minister Suriya has ambitious goals, aiming to expand this 20-baht cap across all Greater Bangkok rail lines by March 2026. Currently, the sweet deal of a 20-baht limit is exclusive to the Purple and Red lines, operated respectively by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRT) and the State Railway of Thailand.
On other MRT routes, fares can feel like a rollercoaster, zooming from 17 to 43 baht depending on the distance. Meanwhile, the BTS Skytrain system takes it a notch higher with fares ranging from 15 to 62 baht. Oh, the joy of daily commutes!
Reflective and sagacious, Mr. Samart pointed out that this notion of buying back rail concessions is far from novel. A notable flashback: just five years after the Skytrain glided onto the scene, the government flirted with the idea of reclaiming the first concession from Bangkok Transit System Plc (BTS) in early 2004 to cap fares at 15 baht. Alas, despite having just one line in action back then – the Green Line from Mor Chit-On Nut to National Stadium-Saphan Taksin – the idea stalled and eventually fizzled out.
“Buying back the electric train concessions is a viable route to slashing train fares, but let’s not kid ourselves – it’s going to cost a pretty penny,” mused Mr. Samart in his candid Facebook post. “Eight burgeoning electric train lines span a distance of 274 kilometers. Just where will we summon the funds from?” he pondered, before laying out an inventive method: congestion charges.
Singapore, ever the trendsetter, introduced congestion pricing with its Area Licensing Scheme back in 1975, way before their mass transit trains took to the tracks. The scheme faced pushback from motorists, but strict enforcement saw everyone fall in line and adapt to the change.
“Thailand’s track record with traffic congestion fees tells a different tale,” noted Mr. Samart. The country has tinkered with the idea multiple times but has never taken the leap to implement it. But here we are, poised once again on the brink of consideration. “I do have my reservations about the practicality of such fees,” he admitted.
His concerns were nothing if not comprehensive. “Firstly,” he explained, “electric trains must permeate the regions where these fees will be collected.” Equally crucial is an efficient public transport system to ferry commuters smoothly to and from train stations. Parking facilities outside the congestion fee zones are a must, alongside clear policies around exemptions for residents and businesses in the area. Additionally, the plan must encompass everything from the timing, types of vehicles subjected to fees, passenger numbers, collection methods, to the consequences for non-compliance.
Moreover, Mr. Samart raised a pivotal query: would future private investment in electric train services mellow out if the government steps in to buy back concessions? And in scenarios where acquiring the concessions becomes untenable, what then?
Rounding off his contemplation with a thought-provoking twist, he floated the idea of the government reclaiming expressway concessions to alleviate toll fees, sparking yet another potential avenue for financial relief.
I think the 20-baht cap is a great idea! It will make commuting much cheaper for everyone.
Sure, but who’s going to pay for the buybacks? Taxpayers?
Exactly. Seems like a short-sighted plan that will lead to higher taxes eventually.
How about investing in a better public transportation system instead of capping fares? Quality over price!
Has anyone considered the impact on private companies? This move could deter future investments.
Good point! Private sector involvement is crucial for development.
What’s the point of private investment if people can’t afford the fares? Public needs come first.
It’s great that Thailand is looking to Singapore for ideas, but can they really pull it off?
Historically, Thailand hasn’t been efficient with such implementations. I’m not confident.
They need a comprehensive plan and strict enforcement. Otherwise, it’s a pipe dream.
Congestion fees have their own set of challenges. It’s not an easy solution.
Agree. Implementing it without a robust public transport system in place is asking for trouble.
But isn’t that the point? Reduce the number of cars on the road while improving public transport.
Technology can solve many issues here, like automated congestion pricing and efficient fare collection.
Ah yes, because more tech always fixes things. Ever heard of human error?
Technological solutions can streamline many processes, but human oversight is critical.
Why not focus on electrifying more areas rather than just lowering fares on existing ones?
Because it’s more politically appealing to promise a 20-baht fare cap. Simple as that.
Will these plans consider exemptions for low-income residents? They need it most.
Agreed! Programs should target those who need relief the most.
If it’s too targeted, it might miss the middle class who are also struggling.
What about the environmental impacts of more people using electric trains instead of cars?
It could be positive! Fewer emissions from cars if trains become more affordable.
As long as the electricity comes from renewable sources, it’s a win for the environment.
How does this fare cap affect tourists? Will they still pay a premium?
Tourists often pay more for convenience. Don’t see that changing much.
If tourists benefit too, it could boost tourism. Win-win!
We need a solid financial plan before implementing these changes, or we’re doomed.
Financial planning? In this economy? Good luck with that.
Thaksin’s ideas always seem populist to me. Not always practical long-term.
Say what you want, but his ideas have a history of benefiting the masses.
Populism is dangerous if it’s not backed by realistic, sustainable plans.
Public transport improvements should include better accessibility for people with disabilities.
How realistic is it to reclaim concessions so late in the game? Time and money wasted.
I’m all for cheaper fares, but we should address the root issue: overcrowded cities.
How will this impact the workforce in the transport sector? More jobs or layoffs?
What about expressway concessions being reclaimed? That would help truckers too!