The Transport Ministry is expected to submit a 17-45 baht electric train fare cap for cabinet approval next week, aiming to reduce people's travel costs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has outlined his ministry's plan to introduce a unified electric rail fare system, capping fares at between 17 and 45 baht per trip across all metro lines. The proposal is expected to go to the cabinet meeting for in-principle approval.
Mr Phiphat said the plan is intended to reduce the cost of living by allowing passengers to transfer between rail lines while paying the entry fee only once.
Under the current system, commuters must pay a new base fare whenever they switch lines.
To support the policy, the ministry is exploring ways to regain control of rail concessions currently operated by private companies. Two funding options are being considered.
The first involves raising capital through the Thailand Future Fund in cooperation with the Finance Ministry, although the process could take one to two years due to regulatory requirements.
The second option would allow private operators to continue running rail services under management contracts, while concession rights are transferred back to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
Mr Phiphat said the Transport Ministry is considering introducing the new fare structure before negotiations with private concessionaires are completed.
Under the new policy, passengers would pay a minimum fare of 17 baht and no more than 45 baht per one-way journey, regardless of how many times they change lines.
Return trips would be charged separately.
Mr Phiphat acknowledged that buying back concessions is a complex issue.
