Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) has agreed to freeze fares on the Blue Line of the metro system, or the MRT, currently between 17 and 42 baht, until the end of the year, despite a cabinet decision yesterday (Tuesday) to allow the company to increase the fare by one baht, in line with the consumer price index (CPI).
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said today that he has held talks with BEM, the concessionaire of the Blue and Purple Lines, on how to ease the financial burden on commuters, as the new fare rate would have come into effect on July 3rd.
The company, he added, agreed to freeze the current fares for the remainder of this year.
Senior citizens will continue to enjoy a 50% discount, while students will be eligible for a 10% discount.
The measure comes amid higher prices of several goods including goods, amid high global fuel prices and inflation.
