Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has affirmed that by September next year, the highest cost for all electric train services in Bangkok and neighboring areas will be limited to 20 baht.
At present, the 20-baht train fee for a complete journey has only been applied to two services, the Purple Line from Taopoon to Bang Phai and the suburban Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit since October 16th. This is because the two routes are under the supervision of the Transport Ministry.
Suriya expressed disagreement with the recent statement from Move Forward MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth that the 20-baht fare is impractical and should not be implemented. He added that it is a beneficial strategy and is gaining popularity as more individuals transition from private cars to electric train services, which helps address the issue of PM2.5 and the increasing cost of living.
The minister has committed to maintaining the policy, which he anticipates completing by September next year, when the maximum train fare will also be capped on the Green, Blue, Pink, and Yellow lines.
He asserted that discussions with the operators of those lines are advancing, and a universal ticket that can be utilized on all train services is also in development, along with the establishment of a fund to compensate the train operators.
