PUBLISHED: 15 Feb 2025 at 06:05
In a significant update, the Transport Ministry has reported a remarkable 12.28% increase in revenue for the Red and Purple commuter lines following the successful implementation of a 20-baht fare cap introduced in October 2023. This initiative aimed to encourage a greater number of commuters to utilize public transportation.
The combined income for both lines reached 49.91 million baht by the end of 2024, up from 44.45 million baht in the previous year, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. The Red Line alone saw a substantial rise in income, jumping from 15.97 million baht prior to the fare cap to 20.04 million baht last year, marking a 25.48% increase. Additionally, passenger numbers surged by 24.88%, totaling over 1 million rides.
The Red Line, operated by the State Railway of Thailand, comprises two routes: the northern route connecting Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Rangsit, and the southern route extending from the central station to Taling Chan in Thon Buri district.
Meanwhile, the Purple Line, managed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, reported a revenue increase from 28.48 million baht in 2023 to 29.87 million baht last year, representing a growth of 4.8%. Passenger numbers rose by 4.89%, reaching 2,026,981 commuters.
In total, the two electric train lines accommodated 3,054,439 passengers last year, reflecting a 10.86% increase compared to the same time in 2023. Minister Suriya hailed this rise in ridership as a positive indication of the effectiveness of the ministry’s strategies to alleviate the cost of living in the city.
He emphasized that increasing passenger volumes lead to higher profitability, reducing the financial burden on the government for operational compensation to train operators. The ministry expresses confidence that this successful fare cap policy will be extended to additional electric train lines by September this year.
