In a resounding effort to revolutionize urban commuting in Thailand, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has audaciously put forth a proposal to the Transport Ministry, aiming to set a game-changing 20-baht fare cap on all-electric train lines. As the wheels of bureaucracy turn, a cabinet green light is anticipated later this month with bated breath.
The DRT’s trailblazing director-general, Pichet Kunadhamraks, spilled the beans this past Monday, revealing the department’s formal submission of this groundbreaking proposal. This marks the kickoff for the second phase of the audacious government’s 20-baht fare policy, which is gathering steam at an impressive pace.
Once the cabinet nods in approval, it’s go time for government agencies to kick negotiations into high gear. The goal? To collaborate closely with the brainy concessionaires of the eclectic and electric train lines, amending contracts and sketching out memoranda of understanding, all under the watchful eye of the public-private partnership (PPP) law.
Adding a digital twist to this saga, the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) is turbocharging efforts to develop a state-of-the-art Central Clearing House (CCH) system. This pivotal tech masterpiece will sync smoothly with the government’s innovative “Tang Rat” app, ensuring users glide through the system seamlessly.
Mark your calendars, tech enthusiasts and commuters alike! The stage is set for the 20-baht programme’s digital registration kickoff in August, with the grand curtain-raising of the full second phase slated to dazzle the public on September 30th. This groundbreaking programme plans to make tracks for a full year.
The ambitious second phase covers all electric train lines, casting a wide net to snag journeys within solo lines and those skipping across multiple rail veins, all bundled under a 20-baht fare cap. A clever discount mechanism will swoop in, ensuring savvy registered passengers never part with more than 20 baht for their commute.
Wondering about eligibility? It’s simple! Get on board by signing up via the quirky Tang Rat app and whipping out your choice of EMV contactless cards (think Europay, MasterCard, or Visa) or Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) cards, like the fan-favorite Rabbit cards.
This plucky 20-baht fare policy saw its smashing debut on October 16, 2023, spanning the MRT Purple Line and the SRT Red Line. The Red Line surpassed expectations, riding a 50% passenger increase from 20,000 to 30,000 daily trips—talk about a meteoric rise!
The Purple Line wasn’t left behind, boasting a healthy uptick of 17% in daily traffic, catapulting figures from 50,000–60,000 to a solid 60,000–70,000. While MRTA predicted a choppy sea with possible drops in fare revenue by a staggering 56–60 million baht per annum, they wager that increased ridership will steady the ship within a couple of years.
Now in its revolutionary second year, the 20-baht fare cap scheme gears up for a turbocharged third year. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, confirms the ambitious blueprint to encapsulate all electric train antics under this inclusive policy by September 30, heralding the age of unlimited transfers across the electrified steel veins of the railway network—all for a modest, singular fare.
There’s a final hurdle, though—the joint ticketing system management law must pass through the crucible of the House of Representatives. With a hopeful eye on September, the dawn of a comprehensive transport revolution beckons. So stay tuned and prepare to ride the waves of change on the rails of tomorrow!
This is a genius move by Thailand to make public transport more affordable and environmentally friendly!
I agree, but is it realistic to expect all these agencies and private companies to renegotiate their deals? That’s a huge logistical nightmare.
Fair point, but maybe the government can offer incentives to make it worth their while. It’s not impossible.
It’s about time countries started focusing on eco-friendly commute options. This could set a precedent for other nations!
The tech integration with the Tang Rat app sounds great, but is it really secure? I’m a bit skeptical about data privacy.
That’s a valid concern. I hope they invest in robust security measures. Blockchain tech could help with data security.
Blockchain could be a good solution, but it’s still fairly new. I hope they have the expertise for it.
Can’t wait for this to be implemented! I live for trains, and this will save me a ton of money on my weekly commute.
I worry about the crowding levels. Cheaper fares usually mean busier trains. Are they doing anything to handle increased passenger numbers?
Good point! Let’s hope they increase train frequency or add more carriages.
Isn’t this fare cap going to cause major financial issues for the train companies? I’m all for affordable transport, but at what cost?
The article mentions increased ridership offsetting the loss. It’s a gamble, but it could pay off if enough people switch to using trains.
True, but those are optimistic numbers. What if the increase doesn’t happen? They might end up needing bailouts.
I think public transportation should always be subsidized by the government, especially electric options. It’s better for everyone in the long run.
As a tourist, I’d love this! It would save so much when traveling in Thailand. Having an easy payment system makes it even better.
But don’t you think tourists might take away places from the locals during peak times? Locals should have priority.
That’s a good point. Maybe they can have different pricing or reservations for tourists.
This whole thing sounds way too ambitious. These projects usually fall apart because of poor planning.
I hope this project creates more jobs. It seems like it could with all the infrastructure changes needed.
Jobs in tech and construction could definitely see a boost. But we should ensure they’re good jobs with fair pay.
Agreed! There’s no point in creating low-wage jobs. Let’s see how it unfolds.
Electric trains are the future. I’m excited that Thailand is leading the way!
How will this affect Thailand’s non-electric transport services, like buses and taxis? There might be backlash from those sectors.
Let’s hope they keep the app user-friendly. Nothing’s worse than a confusing interface when you’re trying to catch a train.
Hope the local economy is ready for this change. It could disrupt a lot of current revenue streams.
They need to communicate these changes clearly to businesses and get them involved early on.
I’m intrigued to see how they’ll enforce this fare cap. Could encourage some less ethical behavior if not managed well.
Hopefully, they consider accessibility for disabled riders too. New systems should be inclusive from the start.