Bangkok: Reforming the integrated ticketing system, the maximum fare for the electric train system will not exceed 45 baht, effective January 1, 2027. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn is driving the government's policy to reduce the cost of living, accelerating the integration of public transportation systems. He is pushing forward with a unified fare system for the BTS Skytrain, with an initial fare not exceeding 17 baht and a maximum of 45 baht per trip for lines participating in the unified ticketing system. The goal is for the service to be operational by January 1, 2027.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the 2nd meeting of the Joint Ticketing System Policy Committee (JTSPC) in 2026. Mr. Pipat stated that a key aspect of the measure is the establishment of a unified fare system for participating electric train lines in Bangkok and its surrounding areas. This includes a maximum initial fare of 17 baht and a maximum total fare of 45 baht per trip, with a reduction in the initial fare charged for connecting travel between lines, subject to the established rules and conditions.
Regarding interconnected travel guidelines, preparations are underway to support this travel. All details must comply with laws, integrated ticketing system standards, and the readiness of related systems. The goal of these measures is to reduce travel costs for the public, especially those who frequently change between multiple BTS lines in their daily commute, while encouraging the public to use public transportation more, reducing fare duplication, and developing multiple BTS lines to create a more efficient travel network.
Mr. Pipat further stated that, regarding the preparation of a Central Clearing House (CCH) mechanism to support the collection, payment, and allocation of passenger fares among service providers, the meeting assigned the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to expedite the drafting of a Ministry of Transport announcement related to the criteria.
The granting of permission to operate a Central Revenue Management Center (CCH) will involve discussions with the Ministry of Finance regarding the appropriate model and operational guidelines, in accordance with the Cabinet resolution of June 23, 2026. This will be done in compliance with the Integrated Ticketing System Act B.E. 2568 (2025), subordinate legislation, and other relevant laws, ensuring a standardized, transparent, and verifiable revenue management system that efficiently supports transaction linkages across multiple transport systems, before being submitted to the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) for further consideration.
Meanwhile, the meeting assigned the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to expedite discussions with concessionaires regarding fare structures, revenue allocation, and related conditions. This is to ensure the system can accommodate the joint fare measures within the framework of relevant laws and contracts, taking into account the public's benefit, fairness to all parties, and the long-term sustainability of the system.
In addition, the meeting approved 10 draft subordinate laws under the Integrated Ticketing System Management Act B.E. 2568 (2025), comprising 1 draft ministerial regulation, 6 draft announcements from the Ministry of Transport, 2 draft announcements from the Integrated Ticketing System Policy Committee, and 1 draft announcement from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning. These will be processed according to legal procedures to establish clear and systematic guidelines, standards, and regulatory mechanisms for the integrated ticketing system.
Mr. Pipat concluded by saying that the meeting also agreed in principle on the policy for transferring funds into and spending the integrated ticketing system fund. This will allow the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP) to use it as a framework for drafting related regulations and announcements in the next steps. The management of the fund must be in accordance with relevant principles and laws to appropriately support the integrated ticketing system and be transparent and verifiable. The Ministry of Transport and related agencies will expedite the work within the set timeframe, including drafting subordinate legislation, developing a revenue management system, preparing technology, and holding discussions with service providers and concessionaires, in order to push for the implementation of the maximum integrated fare of 45 baht per trip for routes participating in the integrated ticketing system by January 1, 2027.