The Ministry of Transport is set to propose to the Cabinet a single 20 baht fare for metro lines next week. The new fare will be rolled out first on the Purple and Red lines serving Bangkok and neighboring provinces.
The new single fare of 20 baht will be rolled out on the MRT Purple Line between Tao Poon and Khlong Bang Phai stations, as well as the Bang Sue – Taling Chan and Bang Sue – Rangsit branches of the SRT Red Line commuter rail.
This fare can be introduced immediately once approved by the Cabinet, while single fare transfers between these lines will initially be available only for passengers using contactless credit or debit cards to use the services. The Ministry of Transport is planning to expand this single fare to every metro line within 2 years, through joint negotiations with private operators.
Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed the ministry is also considering the feasibility of other transport-related projects, particularly the Chumphon – Ranong land bridge project that provides a transport corridor between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea in the southern region.
The Minister of Transport said he has ordered the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to expedite studies related to this project, while the investment feasibility study is expected to conclude early next year. The government has designed this project to be completely funded by private investors, with the government supporting only the expropriation process.
The ministry is also seeking approval from the Cabinet on roadshows in foreign countries. These roadshows are intended to attract foreign investors to invest in the land bridge project. (NNT)
