Cabinet greenlights single-entry fare system for Bangkok rail network

The Cabinet approved an integrated fare system with a ‘single-entry’ fee for Bangkok’s electric rail network today, setting fares at 17 to 45 baht per trip across all lines and route colours.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said after the Cabinet meeting that the measure would cover the entire urban rail system through a single, integrated ticketing system, allowing passengers to pay only one entry fee per trip instead of repeated charges when transferring between lines.

He said the government will try to have the system ready by January next year.

“From now on, my ministry will hold discussions on setting up a clearing house system to manage fare collection, so passengers only pay the ‘entry’ fee once,” said Phiphat.

Meanwhile Government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said the measure is expected to reduce the burden of rail fares on commuters, particularly the problem of multiple entry fees caused by the existence of several operators with separate concession agreements and fare structures.

Under the new framework, the base fare will start at 17 baht, while the maximum fare will be capped at 45 baht per trip for all rail lines.

The government also plans to introduce special discounted fares for children, the elderly and disadvantaged groups, while ensuring that passengers are no longer charged repeat ‘entry’ fees when changing lines.

The fare overhaul comes amid long-running complaints over Bangkok’s rail fares, under which commuters transferring between lines can be charged repeated ‘entry’ fees, driving up the cost of a single journey.