Bangkok: The Consumer Council has expressed support for the government’s initiative to introduce a flat-rate electric train fare of 20 baht, urging the reallocation of a 34 billion baht budget originally earmarked for a double-decker expressway project. This proposal aims to decrease public transportation costs and enhance accessibility for citizens on a daily basis.

According to Thai News Agency, the Consumer Council (CCC) has recommended that the government redirect the 34 billion baht budget from the Ministry of Transport, which was initially intended for a double-decker expressway project, to promote the 20-baht electric train policy. The council argues that constructing double-decker expressways may not effectively resolve Bangkok’s traffic issues, advocating instead for policies that enhance public transport infrastructure. This proposal aligns with the Pheu Thai Party’s key policy and is supported by several other political parties, each offering their own variations on public transport fare structure
s.

The CCC’s proposal is backed by empirical data, highlighting that consumers’ average per-trip transportation costs ranged from 10.10 to 16.30 baht between 2014 and 2019. This data, consistent with studies by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Department of Rail Transport, suggests that a 20 baht fare is both feasible and equitable. The CCC emphasizes that public transportation should be a fundamental right, advocating for the repurposing of the expressway budget to provide a 20 baht flat-rate electric train service, which could be implemented without additional legislative measures.

The proposed fare policy also promises broader benefits, including reduced travel expenses, addressing environmental concerns like the PM 2.5 dust problem, and promoting clean energy use. The CCC suggests that the remaining budget could facilitate the purchase of electric buses, thereby enhancing public transport availability in provinces. The proposed changes are projected to save billions in travel costs, impro
ve public safety, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions, aligning with the overarching goal of making public transportation accessible and affordable for all citizens.