The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has postponed its plan to increase the maximum train fare on the Green Route to 104 baht, scheduled for February 16th.
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang issued a formal announcement on Monday effectively delaying increase until further notice.
Many commuters who use the popular electric train service, which runs through Bangkok’s business centres, such as the Silom and Sukhumvit roads, have voiced opposition to planned increase, claiming that it is too expensive and will place a greater financial burden on them while they are still suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Consumers’ Protection Foundation has submitted a petition to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, urging him to exercise his power to stop the fare increase on the Green Route, which is owned by the BMA but operated under concession by the BTS Company.
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The BTS network currently runs for 68.25 kilometres via 59 stations in Bangkok and the neighbouring provinces of Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani. MPs from Bhumjaithai Party, which is in charge of the Transport Ministry, have petitioned the Central Administrative Court for an injunction to stop the fare hike, after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) threw its support behind the move.
Under the new fare structure would be:
- Mor Chit to On Nut and National Stadium to Taksin Bridge, which is under the BTS concession, the fares range from 16-44 baht
- On the extension from Mor Chit to Khu Khot, the fares range from 15-45 baht (an increase of three baht for every additional station)
- On the extension from On Nut to Keha Samut Prakan, fares range from 15-45 baht (an increase of three baht for every additional station
- On the extension from Taksin Bridge to Bang Wa, fares range from 15-33 baht (an increase of three baht for every additional station)
Tags: Green Route, postpone, fare increase, February 16th
