Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has insisted that, by September next year, the maximum fare on all electric train services in Bangkok and its vicinity will be capped at 20 baht.
Currently, the 20-baht train fare for an entire trip has been in effect on only two services, the Purple Line between Taopoon and Bang Phai and the suburban Red Line between Bang Sue and Rangsit since October 16th, because the two lines are under the supervision of the Transport Ministry.
Suriya said he disagrees with the recent comment by Move Forward MP Surachet Pravinvongvuth that the 20-baht fare is impractical and should not be undertaken, adding that it is a good policy and is increasingly popular, as more people switch from private cars to electric train services, which helps to ease the problem of PM2.5 and the rising cost of living.
The minister vowed to continue with the policy, which he expects to be accomplished by September next year, when the maximum train fare will also be capped on the Green, Blue, Pink and Yellow lines.
He claimed that ongoing talks with the operators of those lines are progressing, adding that a common ticket, which can be used on all train services, is also being developed, as well as the creation of a fund to compensate the train operators.
