Bangkok: Bangkok has expressed no objections to the introduction of a 20 baht flat-rate electric train fare, anticipating significant public benefits from the measure. However, concerns have been raised regarding the financial gap that will emerge, prompting calls for relevant agencies to ensure fair compensation.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, addressed the press before attending a Bangkok Metropolitan Council meeting. Discussing the government’s policy for Phase 2 of the electric train fare initiative, he highlighted that while there are no objections from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), there are critical issues to resolve. One major concern involves the private sector concessions currently in place. The Ministry of Transport’s estimated compensation figures may be underestimated, given that the average fare for existing concessions is 34 baht per person. With approximately 700,000 passengers and potential for growth, detailed discussions on these financial discrepancies are necessary.

Moreover, the BMA has existing contracts with private companies for bus operations, which currently incur costs of about 8 billion baht annually, against an income of 2 billion baht. This imbalance indicates that fare adjustments might be inevitable, and fair compensation is crucial as taxpayer funds are used to subsidize these operations. The BMA has already informed the Ministry of Transport and is awaiting further discussions to clarify and calculate the necessary figures.

Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of clear agreements on compensation, noting the involvement of multiple agencies, including private entities. He warned of potential legal actions if consensus is not reached, underscoring the need for comprehensive discussions between the Ministry of Transport, the BMA, and the private sector. He expressed optimism that these discussions could commence within the week.