Phiphat Pushes Zone-Based BTS Fare System to Replace Distance-Based Pricing, Easing Commuter Burden
Thailand's deputy PM is pushing BTS to adopt a zone-based fare system to replace distance-based pricing while keeping the 40-baht flat fare, aiming to reduce commuter costs and create fairer public transit access nationwide.
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn and senior Transport Ministry officials visited the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) on May 6, 2025, to deliver important policy directives. The visit emphasized urgent infrastructure improvements to reduce transportation costs while prioritizing public safety in line with government policy. BTS executives, led by Chairman Montri Dechaskulsompor and Governor Kacharap Udomtharmpakdi, received the delegation and briefed officials on BTS operations.
Phiphat stated that the government under Prime Minister Anusorn Chaiyaweerakul has tasked the Transport Ministry with developing a modern, efficient transport system connecting all transport networks nationwide. The ministry wants BTS to provide contemporary, convenient, safe, standard-compliant, and environmentally friendly services, ensuring equitable public access to transportation.
Key policy directives include:
1. Improving living standards and reducing cost-of-living burden by maintaining the 40-baht all-day BTS flat fare while promoting a zone-based fare (Zone-based fare) system to replace distance-based pricing. This aims to create a fairer, more sustainable fare structure accessible to all. BTS should also accelerate negotiations with private concessionaires for unified single-ownership system management and support the 2025 Integrated Ticketing Management Act, coordinating with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to ease commuter burdens.
2. Expediting construction and opening of projects, particularly the Purple Line (Taopoon-Ratburana/Rama IX Ring) and Orange Line (Bangkhunnon-Minburi/Suvinthawongse) extensions. Safety standards during construction and operations must strictly follow engineering and safety protocols, including machinery inspections, adequate lighting, warning signs, traffic management, and international-level monitoring systems to build public confidence.
3. Foundation-laying initiatives [content appears truncated in source]
