Hey! "Suriya" launches 20 baht electric train throughout the line, starting with 2 routes "MRT Purple Line - Red Line" starting today. Reduce the cost of living for the people, push for the Transport Future for All policy: transportation of the future. For all the people
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit Minister of Transport Revealed after today's Cabinet (Cabinet) meeting (October 16, 2023) that according to today's Cabinet (Cabinet) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Settha Thavisin. There was a resolution approving the Ministry of Transport's proposal to reduce electric train fares to a maximum of not more than 20 baht (the electric train fare policy is 20 baht throughout the line), which is considered the first Quick Win policy as the Pheu Thai Party campaigned with the people and himself as Minister of Transport Has expedited every agency to work as quickly as possible as per the Prime Minister. has said it before
The government through the Ministry of Transport Therefore, a policy of electric train fares of 20 baht for the entire line has been announced or reduced from the current fare starting at 14 baht and maximum not exceeding 42 baht, leaving a maximum fare not exceeding 20 baht specific to each line. Which will start from today (16 Oct. 2023) onwards, with 2 pilot projects: 1. The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Chalong Ratchadham Line Project (Purple Line), Tao Poon - Khlong Bang Phai section, distance 23 kilometers ( km.) with 16 stations and 2. Red Line suburban electric train project Bang Sue - Taling Chan section (Thani Ratthaya Line), distance 26 km., with 10 stations and Bang Sue-Rangsit Section (Nakhon Withi Line), distance 15 km., with 4 stations.
Mr. Suriya further said that today is another important day for the government, which he and the executives of the Ministry of Transport Including related agencies Therefore traveled to Bangkok Apiwat Central Station. which is the starting station of the Red Line suburban railway project who will begin announcing the policy of 20 baht electric train fare along each specific line today From the beginning it was announced that The policy will be launched at the end of 2023 as a gift to the people. But with the burden of higher living expenses from the chaotic situation abroad that affects oil prices It has a direct effect on car users.
Therefore, the Ministry of Transport Therefore, we have expedited the process to make it concrete quickly. and began to be announced today To reduce the burden of travel expenses for passengers. including saving time and motivating people to use the rail public transportation system more Help reduce the PM 2.5 dust problem as well according to the policy "Transport Future for All: Transportation of the future For all citizens “Transportation is not just traveling. But you must have responsibility towards society and the world. For future generations to be sustainable forever
Mr. Suriya further said that while on other mass transit lines, from now on, the Ministry of Transport will appoint a negotiating committee with the private sector. To implement the policy of 20 baht electric train fare throughout the line to cover the network in Bangkok. and surrounding areas on all routes according to the target within 2 years from now. However, he has ordered the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to prepare. Both in terms of facilities on the station, such as elevators and escalators, to be safe.
In addition, it has been assigned to install signs to recommend the use of services. Including preparing staff to take care of the convenience of traveling. and public relations Give advice to people who come to use the service. along with giving an evaluation and collect data on policy activation results To analyze problems and obstacles before using it to improve services By reporting the results to the Ministry of Transport every month.
As for the people who use the Red Line, they say it in the same voice. Glad to be able to pay less for the electric train. For example, Ms. Jinnapat Narongphan, a third-year student, said she lives in Rayong Province but studies at a university in the Lak Hok area. When returning from home, you have to use the Red Line train. From Bang Sue Central Station to Lak Hok Normally you have to pay a fare of 42 baht per trip, but today you paid only 20 baht. I'm happy to pay less fare. This allows you to use the extra money to spend on other things. And especially as a student with no income yet, the 20 baht electric train along the entire line helps a lot. and would like to expand to other lines too.
Source: Thai News Agency