Bangkok: The Democrat Party has announced a new fare policy for the electric train system in Bangkok, proposing a starting fare of 5 baht and a maximum fare of 30 baht. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, and his team arrived at Phaya Thai Island, Victory Monument, to engage with the public and commuters. They were warmly received by citizens who presented Mr. Abhisit with marigold garlands and requested his autograph on paintings.
According to Thai News Agency, Korn Chatikavanij, a prime ministerial candidate from the Democrat Party, highlighted the party's commitment to reducing transportation costs in Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The proposed policy aims to address the burden of high transportation costs on the public, with over 2.1 million daily trips currently made on the region's electric train system. These trips represent a substantial expense relative to the average income of Bangkok's residents.
Mr. Korn explained that the policy would reform the BTS Skytrain fare system by basing fares on distance traveled. The new system would feature a starting fare of 5 baht and a maximum cap of 30 baht per trip, regardless of distance or the number of lines used. Additionally, the policy would integrate the train and bus systems, ensuring a combined fare of no more than 30 baht per trip.
Providing a practical example, Mr. Korn noted that the cost of traveling from Victory Monument Station to Sala Daeng Station, currently around 35 baht, would drop to approximately 15 baht under the new policy. Furthermore, individuals traveling long distances from the suburbs to the city center, currently incurring costs of 80-90 baht, would benefit from a 30 baht fare cap per trip.