Proposed adjustments to the Mass Rapid Transit Act to facilitate implementation of a uniform transit fare structure
Revamped Take:
Say goodbye to hefty MRT fares, y'all! Deputy Transport Minister, Manaporn Charoensri, is cookin' up some epic changes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act. The proposed revamp, set to hit the House of Representatives next month, aligns perfectly with the 20-baht flat fare policy for the electric railway system, slated for a September launch.
Here's the lowdown: Manaporn and his gang are polishing a draft of the MRT Act amendment, aiming to get it approved during the May 28-30 parliamentary session focusing on the 2026 budget. The proposed amendments include setting up a compensation fund to help private train operators recoup their losses due to the reduced fares, enabling them to offer a flat rate of 20-baht per trip.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is inviting the public to have their say on the proposed amendments through a public hearing on the Central Legal website, till May 2. Feedback will be taken into account before submitting the final draft for cabinet approval by May 13.
According to Manaporn, the current MRT Act has some outdated provisions that restrict operational efficiency and infrastructure development. The revised Act aims to modernize the legal framework, improve asset management, support integrated ticketing systems and extend the MRTA's operational scope, including commercial utilization of its assets.
Besides the MRT Act amendments, Manaporn announced that two other urgent transport-related laws – the Rail Transport Department Bill and the Common Ticketing Bill – will also be proposed during the House session. The latter aims to integrate fare systems across different transportation modes.
Though details on other transport-related laws are scarce for now, the MRT Act amendments are expected to set a new standard for affordable and eco-friendly urban transport in Thailand. So buckle up, folks, and get ready for a more straightforward and eco-friendly ride in the near future!
[Source: The Nation]
[1] The Nation: 20-baht flat fare proposed for MRT by May[2] Thai PBS World: Proposal to lower MRT fare to 20 THB submitted for cabinet approval[3] Thai PBS News: Proposed MRT Act amendments aim to support system improvements and promote affordable public transportation in Thailand[4] Bangkok Post: Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand prepares for public hearing on MRT Act amendments ahead of flat fare implementation[5] Bangkok Post: Draft scout uniform regulations aim to boost recruitment and harmonize the scouting movement in Thailand
- In an effort to decrease MRT fares, Finance Ministry is poised to adjust the rate for private train operators, as part of the proposed transportation industry regulations announced by Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri.
- The amendment draft to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act includes the creation of a compensation fund to safeguard the financial impact on operators due to the adjustment in fares, paving the way for the 20-baht flat rate per trip.
- The proposed amendments, which aim to modernize transportation, are expected to be reviewed during a public hearing on the Central Legal website until May 2, with the feedback shaping the final draft slated for cabinet approval by May 13.
- The revised MRT Act serves to streamline the legal framework for transportation, facilitate integrated ticketing systems, extend operational scope, and foster commercial utilization of assets – strengthening the broader transportation business sector in Thailand.
