The operator of the Red Line is seeking to extend its 20-baht flat-rate fare for a second year after the current trial period ends in November. The trial, which began in October 2023, has significantly boosted ridership, with an approximate 50% increase in passengers, surpassing expectations of a 10-15% rise, according to Suthep Punthupeng, CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co.
The company plans to submit its annual report to the SRT board next Monday, with hopes of securing approval from the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet to continue the flat fare. Suthep predicts the extension will drive ridership further, boosting daily passenger numbers by another 10% in 2025.
The 20-baht flat fare, initially introduced by Transport Minister Suriya Junrungreangkit, aimed to reduce Bangkok residents’ living costs and promote the use of mass transit, reducing pollution from fossil-fuel vehicles. The fare is currently applicable only on the Red and Purple lines, while fares on other rail lines in the city vary by distance.
The Red Line’s two sections—Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Taling Chan—are capable of handling 200,000 passengers a day, though this year the average has been 30,000. Ridership peaked at 42,000 daily users in late September. Suthep expects the average daily ridership to reach 40,000 next year.
In addition to the fare extension, SRT Electrified Train Co. is also launching new feeder bus routes to accommodate Red Line commuters. A trial run of a bus route between Krungthep Apiwat station and Chatuchak Market will start on October 5.
The government has expressed interest in introducing a 20-baht cap across all rail lines in Greater Bangkok by March 2026, possibly through purchasing back concessions from private operators. Currently, fares on the MRT and BTS systems are calculated based on distance, with prices ranging from 15 to 62 baht.
At the close of the meeting, Transport Minister Suriya Junrungreangkit highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve Bangkok’s transit system, with officials from SRT Electrified Train Co. in attendance to provide insights into future projects.
