Sumet’ TDRI points out that 20 baht for electric trains throughout the line is too low. Suggests that the ceiling be adjusted to 50-60 baht, which will help reduce the squeeze on the state budget. Adjust connecting routes between lines – push joint tickets can be done
Dr. Sumet Ongkittikul, Director of Transport and Logistics Policy Research at the Thailand Development Research Institute or TDRI, spoke about the 20 baht electric rail campaign policy along the entire line of the Pheu Thai government used in the election campaign that Must see in detail that there will be a way to proceed Which routes are discounted? And where will the budget have to be used to support the private sector that receives concessions? Because each electric train line There are different concession contracts.
The average electric train fare is now 15-17 baht per station, 3-4 stations is 30-40 baht, but if it is a cross-line connection. It is approximately 60-70 baht, for example, the Purple Line and going to the Blue Line have an average fare of about 70 baht because each electric train line has an existing contract. and the development of projects at different times and under different conditions. Some private lines invest entirely themselves. While in some areas the government invests in civil work and the private sector invests in system work. Or some lines are invested by the government and hire private companies to operate the buses. As a result, the electric train has to pay multiple fares and is as expensive as it is today. If it is reduced to 20 baht, the lost 50 baht will have to be subsidized by the government. And the question is, what part of the budget will be used to support it?
When looking at the current fare structure and the number of passengers, for example, the MRTA electric train Consisting of the MRT Blue Line and Yellow Line, approximately 400,000 people use the service per day. If the average fare is 35-36 baht, the government will have to pay subsidies of up to 1,000 million baht per year. As for the BTS Skytrain, it is expected that it will need subsidies of no less than 5,000 million baht per year
As for the issue of extending the concession contract Which is that amending the contract will require quite a lot of time. Because we need to talk and need to consider from many sides. Therefore, if the concession is extended, we still will not see a reduction in electric train fares during these 2 years.
Dr. Sumet proposes that the government restructure the maximum fare price ceiling. No matter how many lines you change This may not be 20 baht because 20 baht requires a lot of subsidies and is a burden on the state budget, but it may be 50 or 60 baht. If it can be done, it will help alleviate the burden on people who have to travel by changing electric train lines. Because at present, if you have to travel by changing 3 lines, you must pay a fare of not less than 100 baht and the infrastructure should be adjusted. Connecting each electrical wire to be more convenient. People do not have to worry about walking far and being exposed to the sun and rain. Moreover, the ticket format should be changed to a common ticket. One card can be used together by all lines.
Source: Thai News Agency