Bangkok: Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, has confirmed that by 2027, the BTS Skytrain fare will be a flat rate of 17 to 45 baht for the entire line. This announcement comes as the Ministry of Transport prepares to propose to the Cabinet next week the transfer of all BTS lines to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) for sole management. The move aims to streamline the integrated ticketing system and address outstanding debts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong discussed the Ministry of Transport's proposal to transfer the management rights of all Bangkok Mass Transit System lines to the MRTA's supervision. He indicated that the proposal might not be considered immediately due to pending feedback from relevant agencies, but he expects it to be reviewed next week.
Mr. Siripong explained that the proposal involves overturning a previous Cabinet resolution on fare rates, setting a new range of 17 to 45 baht for the entire line. Initially, the Digital Government Development Agency was designated to handle the back-end clearinghouse system, but the Ministry of Finance, through Krung Thai Bank, is now deemed adequately prepared to manage this process. The proposal also includes transferring the rights, revenue, and debts of the Green Line and Gold Line to the MRTA for unified ownership.
When questioned about the project's timeline, Mr. Siripong expressed confidence in its completion by 2027. He emphasized the importance of installing EMV readers on the Green Line and Gold Line, which are currently without them, to facilitate the Single Ownership scheme.
Regarding the transfer of ownership of all electric train lines, Mr. Siripong confirmed that all lines, including the Red Line, would be managed by the MRTA. This would enable the implementation of various policies, ensuring that the initial fare is collected only once.
Addressing concerns about concession issues with some BTS Skytrain lines, Mr. Siripong acknowledged the need to review these matters, especially as some concessions approach expiration. He indicated that direct assistance to the public could be prioritized over negotiations.