Shock fare hike on MRT Blue Line: Pay up to 45 baht from July 3

The Thai Cabinet approved a fare increase for the MRT Blue Line, effective from July 3. This means passengers will soon be paying between 17 baht and 45 baht for their journeys, up from the current maximum of 43 baht.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Kenika Anudit announced the decision yesterday, June 11, confirming that the Cabinet had greenlit the draft regulations proposed by the Ministry of Transport. These regulations pertain to common fare setting, collection, and exemptions for certain passenger groups on the MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line.

“The fare adjustment is in accordance with the concession contract, which permits a review and modification of fares every two years.”

The current fare structure is set to expire on July 2, with the new rates being calculated based on the Consumer Price Index.

The Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line, commonly known as the Blue Line, is operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM). Spanning a total distance of 48 kilometres, it includes 38 stations and is a vital artery for Bangkok’s bustling transport network.

While the fare increase is modest, it is expected to have a significant impact on daily commuters who rely on the Blue Line for their transport needs. The decision has sparked a mixed response among the public, with some understanding the necessity of the hike due to economic factors, while others express concern over the rising cost of living, reported Thai PBS World.

In related news, the MRT clarified on May 23 that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern among passengers.

In other news, the King of Thailand has graciously bestowed the name Nakkhara Phiphat, meaning prosperity of the city, on the Yellow Line of the MRT.