TRANSPORT

Increase in subway fares likely in July

Fares on the subway are expected to rise by between one and two baht on July 3. The range of ticket prices will increase from between 15 and 39 baht to 16 to 41 baht.

However, passengers with value-added cards and pass cards will be able to travel at the old fare until the end of the year.

The operator, Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL), made the concession in response to Transport Minister Santi Prompat, who had asked the firm to put the fare increase on hold to ''help people cut back on expenses''.

BMCL has a contractual right to adjust its fares on the 20-kilometre subway service between Hua Lampong and Bang Sue every two years.

The last rise was in 2004. Another increase was scheduled for the middle of this year.

Mr Santi said the cabinet will be asked to formally approve the rise before its official announcement.

Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand governor Prapat Chongsanguan said the fare rise would ensure the company could meet its scheduled loan repayments.

He said allowing passengers with cards to travel at the existing rate would encourage more commuters to buy value-added cards to avoid the fare hike.

The money they pay in advance should compensate for the loss of additional revenue from the increase.

In 2004, BMCL increased fares from 14-36 baht to 15-39 baht. source - Bangkok Post