BANGKOK, July 7 — The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has extended free train service for low-income earners until January 30, in a move similar to that of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
Officials said the SRT action to extend its free service to low-income earners was made during its board meeting on Friday.
The decision by the two state-run agencies to extend their free services will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for acknowledgement before sending to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) for final approval, officials said.
Presently, BMTA provides free 800 bus services in Bangkok and outlying areas while 172 free train services are offered daily to low-income earners.
Ex-transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt in the ousted government earlier thought of issuing new cards with barcodes for free bus and train travellers, aimed at providing genuine benefit to low-income earners.
The NCPO has decided to extend the services as the study is still incomplete.
