Transport ministry proposes MRT Act changes for 20-baht flat fare
The Ministry of Transport is set to propose changes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act during a special session of the House of Representatives next month. This aligns with the introduction of a 20-baht flat fare for the electric railway system planned for September.
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri stated yesterday, April 29, that the ministry is finalising a draft amendment to the MRT Act. This is anticipated to be presented for consideration during a special parliamentary session from May 28 to 30, which will also address the 2026 fiscal budget.
The proposed amendments include the establishment of a compensation fund to reimburse private train operators for fare reductions, facilitating a 20-baht flat rate per trip.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is conducting a public hearing on these draft amendments via the Central Legal website, which is expected to conclude on Friday, May 2.
Feedback from this hearing will be reviewed and integrated into the final draft, anticipated to be submitted to the Cabinet by May 13.
Manaporn noted that the current MRTA Act contains outdated provisions that limit operational flexibility and infrastructure development.
The revised legislation aims to update the legal framework, improve asset management, support integrated ticketing systems, and expand the MRTA’s operational scope, including the commercial use of its assets, reported Bangkok Post.
Manaporn mentioned that two other urgent transport-related laws, the Rail Transport Department Bill and the Common Ticketing Bill, will also be proposed during the House session. The latter aims to integrate fare systems across various transport modes.
In similar news, the transport ministry is upgrading airports in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, and Mukdahan to drive year-round tourism in the northeast. Backed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s push for secondary city tourism, the initiative focuses on improving transport links and boosting local economies.
Nakhon Phanom Airport currently operates 12 daily flights, with Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion Air adding four more from June 19. Sakon Nakhon Airport handles eight daily flights by Thai AirAsia and Nok Air. The move aims to position these culturally rich provinces as key tourism hubs ahead of a major tourism push in 2025.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
