The cabinet has extended the 20-baht flat fare rate on the Red and Purple Lines for two more months until Nov 30, government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said yesterday.
The flat fare introduced in 2023, was initially set to expire on Tuesday. The extension came as part of the new government’s vow to help ease the cost of living.
Transport Ministry officials were assigned to come up with sustainable solutions to keep the fare low without putting a financial burden on the state over the next two months, said Mr Siripong.
Chanin Rungthanakiat, deputy spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, backed the cabinet’s decision. Pheu Thai initiated the flat-fare policy, said Mr Chanin, adding that the measure helps at least 100,000 commuters with their living costs and makes the extension very suitable now.
He called on the cabinet to extend this policy to cover all electric train lines. Implementing this policy would mean a fix for the transport system of the entire city and would help reduce pollution and PM2.5 dust particles.
He added the project supports city expansion as people are encouraged to live further away from the city centre because they would be no longer limited by commuting costs.
Mr Chanin said the policy is not only focused on urban commuters as it affects various dimensions of development. It should also not be seen as a populist or Pheu Thai policy.