BTS Submits 200 Million Baht Bill! Free Train Campaign on 4 BTS-BEM Lines as 'Transport Ministry' Proposes 140 Million Baht Budget Today
Source - Khao Hoon
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 05:11
BTS is preparing to submit a 200 million baht bill for train services on 4 lines (Green, Pink, Yellow, and Gold) after running them for free for 7 days. The Green Line accounts for the largest portion at 180 million baht. The company is confident that the government will not default on the payment. Meanwhile, "Suriya" will propose a 140 million baht central budget to the Cabinet today to pay private companies for their role in mitigating PM2.5 dust. The Director-General of the Rail Transport Department confirms that the number of train passengers has surged on all lines. As of January 26, 2025, the total number of passengers reached 1,549,622, a 60.90% increase. Brokers view this positively, noting that BTS stock is attractive with a P/B ratio of only 1.75, and recommend "buying" BEM with a target price of 11.10 baht.
Reporters indicate that:
* BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTS) stock price increased by 0.81%, closing at 6.20 baht with a trading value of 566 million baht.
* Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) stock price increased by 2.26%, closing at 6.80 baht with a trading value of 304 million baht.
* On Tuesday, January 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit will propose a central budget of approximately 140 million baht to the Cabinet to compensate for providing free train and bus services to the public for 7 days, from January 25-31, to combat PM2.5 dust. This includes BTS and BEM train lines, as well as Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) buses.
**Suropong Laoha-Unya, CEO of Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC) and Director of the MOVE Business Line at BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTS), revealed that:**
* The company currently operates 4 train lines: Green, Pink, Yellow, and Gold. They estimate that they will receive approximately 200 million baht in compensation from the government for the 7-day free service period.
* The Green Line is estimated to be compensated 180 million baht, the Pink Line 13 million baht, and the Yellow Line around 10 million baht. The Gold Line (1 million baht) is operated under a contract with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), not a revenue-sharing model.
* They will need to wait until the end of the 7-day free period on January 31 to finalize the exact figures with the government, but the amount should not be less than 200 million baht.
* He believes the government will be able to pay according to the agreed terms.
* The free train and bus initiative is a good measure to promote as it can solve the PM2.5 problem urgently by encouraging people to reduce private car usage and switch to public transport. BTS was ready to implement the measure immediately after being contacted by the Ministry of Transport and the BMA.
Updates on joint ticketing and the potential buyback of train concessions from the private sector are still pending, as feasibility studies are underway.
Potential Extension of Free Train Service
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit addressed criticism regarding the use of 140 million baht from the central budget to compensate BTS and BEM, stating that this measure works in conjunction with law enforcement. In urgent situations like this, the free train initiative can quickly reduce PM2.5 levels. Whether the free service will be extended will depend on the passenger statistics after the initial 7 days, but he confirms that this policy has reduced private car usage.
Increased Ridership on All BTS-BEM Lines
Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Rail Transport Department (RTD), revealed that on January 26, 2025, the second day of the free public transport campaign, the total number of train passengers reached 1,549,622, a 5.19% decrease from Saturday, January 25, but still a 60.90% increase compared to the average Sunday ridership in the first 3 weeks of January 2025.
Key takeaways:
* Ridership increased on all lines. The Gold Line saw a 153.07% increase, followed by the Pink Line (122.36%) and Yellow Line (114.47%). These are feeder lines that connect residential areas to main lines.
* BTS is attractive to investors. Analysts view BTS positively with a low P/B ratio and recommend buying BEM with a target price of 11.10 baht.
* The government is committed to addressing PM2.5. The free public transport initiative is seen as a quick and effective way to reduce pollution, and the government is actively working with private companies to implement solutions.
This article highlights the positive impact of the free train campaign on both public transport ridership and air quality. It also demonstrates the government's willingness to invest in solutions to address pressing environmental issues and collaborate with private companies to achieve these goals.
Bangkok Greenlights BTS to Upgrade Walkways and Build Storage Rooms at 20 Stations
Source: Naewna Website
Monday, February 10, 2025, 13:40
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has approved the request by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) to upgrade walkway connections and construct storage rooms at 20 stations. The goal is to enhance convenience and safety for city commuters.
On February 10, 2025, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Wisanu Subsompon, presided over the first 2025 meeting of the Bangkok Mass Transit System Project Management Committee. The meeting, held at Suthat Room, Bangkok City Hall (Giant Swing), was attended by Mr. Narong Ruangsri, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok, committee members, executives from the Traffic and Transport Department, and other relevant officials.
Proposed Upgrades
1. Improvement of Walkway Connections at BTS Siam and BTS Chidlom
o The BTS requested modifications to the walkway connecting BTS Siam and BTS Chidlom stations to the King Rama IX Commemorative Building at the Police General Hospital.
o The key improvement includes adjusting the slope of the entrance from the current 1:7 gradient to 1:10 to facilitate the transportation of patients on hospital beds. The meeting approved the reduction of the slope but recommended further modification to 1:12 for better accessibility.
o Additionally, BTS proposed replacing the existing glass balustrades and canopies with more durable and safer materials. The tempered glass (10 mm thick) used for the canopy will be replaced with acrylic sheets, while the balustrades will be changed from tempered glass to 9 mm thick flat steel. The meeting approved this in principle.
2. Expansion of Walkway Connection at BTS Mo Chit
o The walkway connecting BTS Mo Chit to the Mo Chit Land Building will be expanded from 5.80 meters wide (current) to 30.50 meters wide, with the entrance expanded from 2.80 meters to 3.0 meters on both sides (left and right).
o This aims to upgrade the Level of Service (LOS) from C to A, ensuring greater convenience and safety for pedestrians.
o The expansion will also enhance emergency evacuation efficiency, reducing risks to life and property. The meeting approved this in principle, emphasizing compliance with existing permits and prohibiting commercial activities in the area.
3. Construction of Storage Rooms at 20 BTS Stations
o BTS requested permission to construct additional storage spaces at 20 BTS stations to store equipment and supplies.
o The storage rooms will measure 2.67 meters wide, 2.67 meters long, and 2.60 meters high.
o The stations included in the proposal are:
Chidlom (E1), Ploenchit (E2), Nana (E3), Asok (E4), Phrom Phong (E5), Thong Lo (E6), Ekkamai (E7), Phra Khanong (E8), On Nut (E9), Ratchathewi (N1), Phaya Thai (N2), Victory Monument (N3), Ari (N5), Saphan Khwai (N7), Mo Chit (NB), Sala Daeng (S2), Chong Nonsi (S3), Saint Louis (S4), Surasak (S5), and National Stadium (W1).
o The meeting approved the request in principle, noting that the storage areas will not obstruct pedestrian pathways, will be located outside platform areas, and will not impact passenger movement.
o During construction, strict fire safety measures must be observed, and hazardous materials must be stored and inspected with caution.
This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of the Bangkok mass transit system, providing better service for commuters while ensuring compliance with safety and operational regulations.
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