Ministry to fight firm over subway fare hike
A dispute is brewing over fares on Bangkok's subway, which the system's operator said would be raised with effect from today.
The minimum fare will go up from Bt10 to Bt15 and the maximum fare will be Bt39, Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL) said. Fares for senior citizens and children will range from Bt8 to Bt20. Pre-paid ticket holders receive a 15-per-cent discount and student ticket holders 30 per cent. Transport Ministry deputy secretary-general Terdsak Sedthamanop said the ministry had attempted to negotiate with BMCL about keeping subway fares fixed to promote public rail transport during the oil-price crisis, but the company had not responded. Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) acting governor Yiemchai Chatkaew said the MRTA had asked the subway operator to keep fares at current levels until the Cabinet could consider a hike at its weekly meeting tomorrow. "The hike has to be approved by the MRTA committee and the Cabinet, according to the concession contract. So, we are considering taking action against the subway operator," Yiemchai said.
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