Suriyas defends transport pricing strategy
In a bid to ease financial burdens on commuters and improve public transportation affordability, the Thai government has launched a new policy: a 20-baht flat fare for electric train rides. This policy, a central part of the government's agenda since Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit took office, is aimed at reducing costs for commuters who currently face high daily expenses due to segmented fares across different train lines.
The policy is described as being for the benefit of the people, as they have been burdened by expensive transport costs. According to Suriya Jungrungreangkit, if successful, this policy will not only reduce expenses but also help cut air pollution.
However, the main opposition People's Party (PP) has alleged that the policy favors large businesses. In response, Suriya questioned why the PP is now accusing the government of favoring wealthy investors. He reassured that the policy is not intended to benefit private investors.
Businesses participating in the low-cost transport program are likely to receive subsidies from the government. The government plans to use the common ticket fund and other sources of revenue to subsidize the fares. Part of the funding for the policy will come from the operating profits of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
Further discussions are being held with the Ministry of Finance to identify sustainable long-term funding options for the policy. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around 8 billion baht per year. The government will monitor the project's efficiency and make any necessary improvements in the future, which may involve adjusting the funding sources or structure based on the policy's impact and effectiveness.
The policy is part of the government's efforts to make public transportation more affordable for commuters and alleviate financial burdens. With this move, the Thai government aims to provide a more affordable and environmentally friendly transport option for its citizens.
- The main opposition People's Party (PP) has claimed that the government's new policy on low-cost electric train rides, aimed at reducing transport costs for commuters, may favor large businesses due to potential subsidies.
- Despite the allegations, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has clarified that the policy is not intended to benefit private investors and is primarily for the benefit of the general public.
