The president said fares needed to go up by about 30 per cent and this would add THB2 to the cost of an average ticket. The hike, if approved, means fares for travel on fan-cooled buses would go up from a minimum of THB6.5 to THB8.5 and on longer air-conditioned bus routes the maximum fare would rise from THB23 to THB25.
Mr Charuchinda explained that the fare hike would enable the BMTA to clear its THB100 billion debt within five years. The proposed increase still has to get green lights from both the National Enterprise Office and Thai government before it can be implemented.
12GO ASIA says bus fares will likely be increased this year as the government has already instructed state enterprises to work on improving profitability and reducing their outstanding debts. The Bangkok team says even at THB25 for the longest trip, the city’s buses provide pretty good value for money.
Bangkok transport authority says bus fares have to increase
News in Asia
The boss of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority told reporters last week that the price of travelling by bus has to go up. Nuttachat Charuchinda warned that the only way for the authority to clear its massive debt was to increase fares.