Bangkok: On the first day of the increased fare for the BTS Green Line extension, most passengers remained unaware of the change. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced the fare adjustment from a flat rate of 15 baht to a distance-based fare ranging from 17 to 45 baht, aiming to address an annual loss of 6 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, reporters conducted a survey on the first day of the new fare adjustment, revealing that most passengers were not informed about the price hike. BTS staff made efforts to inform passengers through regular announcements and posted signs displaying the new fare rates within station areas.
A family of four, who typically use the BTS on weekends, expressed their unawareness of the fare increase. Although their short-distance travel fare increased from 15 baht to 17 baht, they felt the impact was minimal and manageable. The family benefits from state welfare cards, and their youngest child travels for free.
Frequent BTS users were more aware of the fare increase. One passenger, who travels daily from Samrong to Asok to accompany his child to school, noted the fare rose from 15 baht to 29 baht, nearly doubling the cost. He expressed concern over the significant impact on his daily expenses, despite having a monthly pass, and called for measures to alleviate the burden.
Reporters noted that the fare increase affects three routes: Mo Chit Station (N8) to Khu Khot Station (N24), On Nut Station (E9) to Keha Station (E23), and Wongwian Yai Station (S8) to Bang Wa Station (S12). The new fare rates are as follows: one-way tickets and Rabbit cards for the general public range from 17 to 45 baht, a Rabbit card for students offers a 30% discount at 12 to 32 baht, and a Rabbit card for seniors provides a 50% discount at 9 to 23 baht. When connecting to a main station, the total fare will not exceed 65 baht.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted that the fixed fare policy resulted in the BMA incurring operating costs of approximately 8 billion baht annually while collecting only about 2 billion baht in fares, leading to a loss exceeding 6 billion baht per year. Although the fare adjustments are not related to the BMA's debt repayment to private contractors, they necessitate compensation from other funds, which may be unfair to those not using the service, as these funds are sourced from taxpayers.