BANGKOK, 19 August 2011 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport is looking to propose to the Cabinet a measure to fix the fares of the BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway and the Airport Rail Link at 20 THB flat so as to help commuters save costs.
According to Permanent Secretary for Transport Supoj Saplom, the Transport Ministry has come up with a single fare measure for the BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link, which will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. The new fare is set at 20 THB for all routes and distances with an aim to attract more riders, reduce traffic congestion and help people save on their transportation costs.
If approved, the 20-THB fare will likely be imposed first on the MRT and the Airport Link within the next 2-3 months. As for the BTS, the Transport Ministry will need to negotiate the matter with the system operator, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, which is not under the Ministry’s supervision.
Once the flat fare comes into effect, the combined number of commuters on the MRT and the BTS is expected to rise to 900,000 per day from 600,000 at present. The number of Airport Link users, now standing at 30,000 per day, could also double.
Reporter: Surapan Laotharanarit – NNT
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