Thailand’s ‘one ticket’ travel plan moves forward
Thailand is one step closer to a game-changing transport upgrade, with the House of Representatives approving the Pheu Thai Party’s draft bill for an integrated ticketing system.
The move, passed with 226 votes in favour and 142 against, promises a seamless travel experience for commuters across urban trains and buses.
But not everyone is on board. The House ditched a competing proposal from the People’s Party, opting instead for the government-backed version.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri explained that the system will be developed by the Office of Traffic Policy and Planning, with fares regulated by the Transport Ministry.
“This system will reduce commuter expenses, make travel seamless, and encourage more people to switch from private cars to public transport.”
The plan also includes the creation of a fund to support transport operators, ensuring smoother implementation.
Pheu Thai’s Vision
- A single ticket covering urban trains and buses.
- A fixed 20-baht fare for all electric urban train services.
- Expected to boost public transport use and reduce congestion.
People’s Party’s Alternative Plan (Rejected)
- A wider fare range of 8 to 45 baht, covering trains, buses, and even boats.
- A more flexible approach to fare structures, aiming to benefit more commuters.
People’s Party MP Surachet Praweenawongwut criticised the approved bill, arguing that limiting the fare cap to 20 baht for urban trains alone ignores the bigger picture of public transport affordability, reported Thai PBS World.
Train ridership across Greater Bangkok experienced a significant 60% rise on January 26, marking the second day of the government’s week-long initiative of free public transport aimed at combating air pollution, as reported by the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) on January 28.
DRT Director General Pichet Kunathammarak noted that the city’s electric train network saw a 60.90% increase in ridership on January 26, reaching 1,549,622 trips compared to the average of the three previous Sundays in January. This figure surpassed the 45.29% growth recorded on January 25, the first day of the free transport initiative.
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