The Thailand Consumer Council (TCC) is throwing its weight behind the Transport Ministry’s visionary plan to cap fares on mass transit electric train services at just 20 baht per trip, according to Saree Ongsomwang, the TCC’s dynamic secretary-general. Saree also has a savvy suggestion: the ministry should allocate a “fair” budget to improve public bus services across every province.
In a candid chat with the Bangkok Post, Saree said that this 20-baht fare promise was one of Pheu Thai’s key campaign pledges during last year’s election. Even the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra took a deep dive into this issue in his “Vision for Thailand 2024” speech. He predicted that this cap is attainable if the government takes the bold step of buying back private electric train projects from companies. The idea is to then set ticket prices and impose congestion charges on car users, thereby generating funds to subsidize public transport.
“Setting the flat rate at 20 baht can definitely be done,” Saree said with palpable enthusiasm. If achieved, it would mark an unprecedented reform in the mass transit system, likely garnering support on the scale of the 30-baht universal healthcare policy from the past. More people would opt for the affordability and convenience of the mass transit system, reducing urban pollution as fewer commuters need to use private vehicles.
However, Saree pointed out current obstacles, citing concessions granted by the ministry to private companies to build and operate some electric train lines. This has led to commuters paying varying fares for different services, making a flat-rate fare impossible under the current setup. She explained, “One passenger’s round-trip fare from home to work can range between 100 and 200 baht. Given this cost, many people would rather pay for car instalments instead.”
Saree revealed that TCC research suggested the average cost per journey could drop to 16 baht per person if the admission fee collected by operators is scrapped. This makes the 20-baht flat fare viable if all lines are government-owned. The ministry could redirect funds initially intended for expressway projects to purchase these concessions from private firms.
The ministry need not rush if a private company resists selling back its concession, Saree advised. They can simply wait for the concession terms to end. For instance, the BTS Green Line concession contract will expire in 2029. For newer lines like the Yellow and Pink Lines, the government should be prepared to negotiate buyouts.
Saree advocated for fairness regarding the concession fees for private entities, suggesting the government also explore using vehicle registration renewal fees collected by the Land Transport Department. With this method, approximately 50 billion baht can be generated annually, which could then be funneled to buy back electric train concessions and procure public buses for all provinces.
“Bus purchases typically cost 6 million baht. The ministry will need about 33 billion baht to outfit each of the 77 provinces with 70 buses,” Saree detailed. This method promises broader benefits than funding projects like the 34-billion-baht double-decker highway initiative planned by the Expressway Authority of Thailand.
She urged the government to heed the public transport demands in rural areas while big cities should consider embarking on monorail projects. A more extensive secondary transport network in the capital, including public buses and boats, should also be established to connect commuters to electric rail services.
“Every government has a duty to offer the most efficient, affordable, and convenient mass transit system possible,” Saree asserted. “Success here would allow the government to levy fees on private car drivers entering city centers, thus alleviating traffic congestion.”
“All these measures align with the principle that daily travel expenses should not exceed 10% of the minimum wage,” she concluded.
This 20-baht fare is a game-changer! It’ll make commuting so much cheaper for everyone.
But who’s going to pay for it? The government isn’t exactly flush with cash right now.
The money can come from congestion charges and vehicle registration fees as mentioned. Besides, if more people use public transport, it might even boost the economy in unexpected ways.
I don’t care where the money comes from. I just want to pay less for my daily commute!
Typical short-sighted thinking. If it bankrupts the country, who’s going to pay your fare then?
It sounds great, but what about the quality of service? Will the trains still run on time with lower fares?
Good point, Sue. If the government rushes this without proper planning, we might be stuck with overcrowded and delayed trains.
Efficiency and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive. Look at countries like Japan.
But Japan also invests heavily in their infrastructure. Thailand needs to ensure the same if this plan is to work.
Reducing car usage sounds great in theory, but are people really willing to give up the convenience of their own cars?
Exactly! I love my car and I’m not switching to public transport just because it’s cheaper.
Well, if the traffic and pollution keep getting worse, you might not have a choice.
Why not focus on improving bus services instead? Not everyone lives near a train station.
20 baht is a steal, but let’s be real, the execution will probably be a disaster. The government never gets these things right.
I read that the TCC suggests using vehicle registration fees to fund this. How sustainable is that in the long run?
It could work if the funds are managed properly, but that’s a big ‘if’ given the current state of governance.
True, proper management is key. Here’s hoping they have a foolproof plan.
It’s easy to propose a flat rate, but does anyone realize how complex it is to implement across different lines with varying operators?
Exactly, and the logistics alone will be a nightmare. By the time it’s all worked out, we’ll probably be paying more than we are now.
And the resistance from the private companies will definitely slow things down. I hope they have a plan for that.
Let’s not forget the environmental benefits here. Fewer cars mean less pollution.
Buying back concessions? Sounds like a temporary fix. The focus should be on long-term sustainability.
Exactly, we need a vision for the next 50 years, not just a quick solution.
How will this plan impact rural areas? They need better transport options too, not just Bangkok.
Saree mentioned buses for all provinces, which sounds promising. But will it really happen?
Let’s hope so. Rural communities often get neglected when the focus is on big cities.
Integrating buses and boats with the rail system? Now that sounds like a holistic approach.
It does, but again, implementation is the key. Will the government follow through?
Fair point. It’s easy to write plans, tougher to see them realized.
What about accessibility for the disabled? Will this plan consider them?
Good question, Elena. Infrastructure improvements must include everyone, or it won’t be truly revolutionary.
If private companies start to lose money, they’ll just increase prices elsewhere. Watch out for hidden costs.
That’s a real concern. Private companies aren’t known for their benevolence.
Bringing Thaksin back into the conversation? What does he really know about public transportation?
Everyone’s focusing on Bangkok. Other cities need this kind of support too.