Let's Roll: The 20-Baht Fare Cap on Electric Train Lines
Government contemplates uniform pricing for electric train journeys
Get ready for some serious savings, urban commuters! The second phase of Thailand's budget-friendly 20-baht maximum fare policy is about to revolutionize your rail journey. Let's dive into the details!
Last week, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) proposed this game-changing plan to the Transport Ministry, with the cabinet's approval anticipated shortly. If all goes as planned, the fare cap will extend to all electric train lines by September 30th, 2025. That's right - no more digging deep into your pockets for hefty train fares!
But what does this mean for you? well, it's simple! Pencil in August for registration on the "Tang Rat" app, which will be connected to a Central Clearing House (CCH) system developed by the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA). With your registration complete and one of two accepted cards - EMV contactless cards or Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) stored-value cards in hand, you're all set to enjoy a seamless and wallet-friendly rail experience across multiple lines!
However, it's important to note that the fare cap will be applied through a clever discount mechanism, ensuring registered passengers never pay more than 20 baht for a single trip.
Remember the resounding success of the initial phase, which began last October on the Red and Purple lines? Well, the second phase aims to build on this momentum by including the Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Green lines. The policy's expansion could result in a significant increase in railway commuters, offering a simpler and more affordable public transportation option across Bangkok and beyond.
Of course, there have been a few bumps along the way; for instance, the plan to use the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA)'s profits to support the fare cap has been delayed due to legal complexities. However, the show must go on, and the upcoming second and third phases of the policy are set to push the boundaries of affordable urban commuting!
Stay tuned for more updates, and we'll ride this exciting journey together!
See Also
- Overview of the Second Phase
- Registration Process
- Implementation Strategy
- Impact on Ridership
- Key Points
The upcoming expansion of the 20-baht maximum fare policy to include electric train lines such as the Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Green lines could attract a significant increase in railway commuters, potentially transforming the transportation industry. This development is expected to positively impact the finance sector, as more people may opt for public transportation, leading to reduced private vehicle usage and lower expenditure on fuel and car maintenance.
