PUBLISHED: September 6, 2023, at 15:49
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the new transport minister, stated on Wednesday that it would take two years to implement a smooth 20-baht fare for Greater Bangkok train commuters.
The president’s policy may draw more passengers, which may result in higher revenues, he added, so operators should raise returns to the state.
According to Mr. Suriya, the introduction of the 20-baht suffer may take time because it would necessitate extensive negotiations with the various parties involved, and the electric rail concessions would be overseen by a number of organizations.
Operators must have computerized systems that can calculate costs and run an integrated booking system for a 20-baht level fare, according to Mr. Suriya.
Such a technique was already in place at the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, but the BTS Skytrain did no. The installation of the program, which may set you back around a billion ringgit, would be the subject of negotiations, according to the transport minister.
One of the coalition-core Pheu Thai Party’s promotion strategies prior to the May 14 general vote was a 20-baht level fare for Bangkok.
Once it was in place, according to Mr. Suriya, more individuals would choose to take the train, which would increase operators’ income. The users may be asked by the government to repay the favor.
According to a study, the number of passengers would increase by about 10 %.
He added that the smooth fare policy would be funded by the government and that he would explain the Department of Rail Transport’s proposal for funding with academics.
All of Bangkok’s railways and ticket systems may be integrated, according to previous statements made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, and commuters would only need to have one solution card.
Depending on the system and the distance traveled, current tickets range from 17 to 47 ringgit.
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the new secretary of transportation, is at the state building. ( Image: Chanat Katanyu )