BANGKOK, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Thailand plans to cap fares on Greater Bangkok's urban rail network at 17 to 45 baht (about 0.50 to 1.35 U.S. dollars) per trip from January, aiming to cut commuting costs for passengers who switch between lines run by different operators, the government said on Tuesday.
Passengers will initially continue to pay full fares when traveling and receive the difference back later through "Paotang," a state-backed mobile payment app, said deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana.
Only Thai nationals who register and meet eligibility criteria will qualify, Lalida said, noting that the scheme is a post-trip refund system, not an immediate reduction of fares charged at station gates.
She said Jan. 1, 2027, remains a target date and the actual effective date depends on system readiness and the necessary approvals. The Ministry of Transport will announce official details on registration, eligible card types, and refund conditions.
Rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding provinces are run by several operators under separate concessions, so commuters who change routes often pay a new entry fee each time, pushing up the cost of longer journeys.
Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said the ministry is preparing to ask the cabinet for budget funds to cover the fare difference. Existing concession agreements will stay in place during the transition, allowing the scheme to proceed without first restructuring operators' contracts. ■