The board of Metropolitan Rapid Transit, owner of MRT lines in Bangkok and its suburbs, has agreed to reduce fares for travel, during off-peak hours and on public holidays, on the Blue and Purple lines for a three-month promotional period starting on Christmas Day, December 25^th.

Mr. Saravuth Songsirilai, director-general of the Highways Department and chairman of the MRT board, said yesterday that, if public response to the fare reductions meets the set target of a 10-12% passenger increase, the board might consider extending the promotion.

He said that the fare cuts are the result of joint efforts between MRT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company (BEM), the operator of both the Blue and Purple lines, and will not increase the losses incurred by MRT because the discounts will be offset by the increase in passenger numbers.

The discounted rates, available from 9am to 5pm and on weekends and public holidays, will be 17 baht for the first station and 20 baht for the remainder of the journey.  This will be applied to all ticket holders and those who buy single trip tokens.

Passengers aged 14 years or younger and between 90-120cm in height, as well as people over 60 years old, will be offered a further 50% discount on the reduced off-peak fares, while passengers between 14 and 23 years old will be offered and additional 10% discount.

Fares will also be discounted for holders of 30-day tickets during the promotional period.  The discount rates are 780 baht for 15 trips, 1,250 baht for 25 trips, 1,920 baht for 40 trips and 2,350 baht for 50 trips.