Bangkok –
On September 28th, 2023, Mr. Phakaphong Sirikantaramas, Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), stated to the public after the MRTA board meeting on a new policy: 20 baht electric train rides on the Purple Line: Tao Poon – Khlong Bang Phai connecting to the Red line: Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Taling Chan, effective on December 1st.
However, the MRTA would agree to reduce the cost of electric trains to 14-20 baht with a 50% discount for children and elderly, and a 10% discount for students. The new rates were presented to the Ministry of Transport on September 29th. Mr. Phakaphong affirmed that the resolution will be considered and effective before the end of 2023. With the new policy, it is estimated that the profit from the Purple Line would be cut by about 190 million baht annually, or 60% lower than a normal rate.
In addition, MRTA will have to evaluate the first year period on setting fare rates to 20 baht throughout the electric train ride. Mr. Phakaphong believes that if there is an increasing number of passengers, it would compensate with profit as time passes. Phakaphong told Thai media that the MRTA decision considered economic and social revenues worth more than 900 million baht on 5 factors that could compensate for the loss from the 20 baht electric train rides: Finance in economics, traffic time, happiness values, road maintenance, and carbon dioxide emissions.
