BANGKOK, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's cabinet approved measures on Tuesday to reduce commuter travel expenses by introducing a common ticketing scheme for electric train services in the greater Bangkok area, said Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
In a statement, the government said the move addresses rising oil prices, inflation, and high living costs, alongside costly rail fares due to duplicate entry charges and varying rates from multiple operators.
Under the unified ticketing system, fares would be capped at a maximum of 45 baht (about 1.36 U.S. dollars) per trip, inclusive of the existing entry fee, covering all electric train services in the Thai capital and the surrounding provinces, said government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek.
The Ministry of Transport is currently developing a centralized clearinghouse system to facilitate the single-entry fee payment system, with the full operational implementation set for Jan. 1, 2027. ■