Expedite the Enactment of the Rail Transport Act to Control Fares
Source: Thai Post
Saturday, June 08, 2024 04:18
Thai Post Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), revealed during the 5th anniversary of the department's establishment, with Deputy Transport Minister Mr. Surapong Piyachote presiding over the ceremony. Over the past five years, the DRT, as the regulatory body for rail transport, has continuously improved the rail transport system to meet the travel needs of the public. The aim is to support rail transport as the primary mode of passenger and freight transport in the country. In 2023, Thailand's rail transport saw a total of 460,826,879 passenger trips, averaging more than 1.2 million trips per day, and freight transport averaged 12 million tons per year.
Additionally, the DRT has promoted the 20-baht flat fare policy for electric trains in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). This initiative began with the Red and Purple Lines, providing equal access to the rail transport system for everyone and reducing travel costs. Plans such as the Thai-Laos-China railway connection are also underway to support freight exports, including durians from Eastern Thailand to China. The introduction of double-track railways and expansion of the electric train network in Bangkok and its vicinity will increase the number of service trains.
Mr. Pichet stated that the DRT is expediting the push for the Rail Transport Act to ensure uniform standards nationwide. This act aims to build public confidence in rail travel, ensure safe journeys, and maintain fair fare prices. The draft bill has already been submitted to the Cabinet for consideration.
Department of Rail Transport Proposes Lower Starting Fare for Electric Trains
Source: Daily News website, Monday, June 10, 2024
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) is celebrating its 5th anniversary with significant achievements. The DRT has been actively working to improve Thailand's rail transport system, address passenger concerns, and enhance overall service quality.
In line with government policy, the DRT is proposing a reduced starting fare for electric trains in Bangkok and surrounding areas, down to 12.49 baht from the current 15-17 baht. This initiative aims to make rail transport more affordable and accessible for the public.
A pilot program implementing a 20 baht flat fare on the Red and Purple Lines has proven successful, attracting a significant increase in passengers. From October 16, 2023, to April 30, 2024, passenger volume on these lines grew by 27.10% compared to the same period in 2023.
The DRT is also pushing for the enactment of the Rail Transport Act, which would grant the department greater regulatory authority and allow it to enforce standardized fares and service quality across all rail lines nationwide.
Once the act is in effect, standardized fares will be implemented for different types of rail services:
* Bangkok electric trains: 12.49 baht entry fee, 2.25 baht per kilometer.
* Regional city electric trains: 11.51 baht entry fee, 2.07 baht per kilometer.
* Intercity trains: No entry fee, fare calculated based on distance and class.
* High-speed trains: 95 baht entry fee, distance-based fare.
These proposed changes aim to create a more equitable and transparent fare structure for all rail passengers. The DRT's ongoing efforts will continue to focus on improving the efficiency, accessibility, and affordability of Thailand's rail transport system.
Draft Joint Ticket Act Pushed by "Suriya"; Aims for Implementation in 2025 with a 20 Baht Flat Fare
Source: Manager Online
Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024, 12:32 PM
The Joint Ticket Policy Committee has pushed forward the draft Joint Ticket Act, agreeing on a 20 Baht flat fare for the entire route. "Suriya" has instructed the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to expedite its implementation by 2025. A fund will be established to support the fare, encouraging the use of electric trains, reducing public transportation costs, and alleviating traffic problems.
On June 12, 2024, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, chaired the first 2024 meeting of the Joint Ticket System Policy Committee. The meeting was attended by Mr. Chayatham Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, along with other relevant agencies at the Ministry of Transport's conference room.
Mr. Suriya reported that the committee acknowledged the progress of the joint ticket system management and the study results on the framework and recommendations for fare structure within Bangkok and its metropolitan areas. This includes a joint fare structure, cross-system travel discounts, financial transaction fees, and plans for managing and developing the joint ticket system. The legal framework includes drafting the Joint Ticket System Management Act, which is currently being pushed forward for swift enforcement.
Additionally, the committee approved the policy for a 20 Baht flat fare for rail transport within Bangkok and its metropolitan areas, assigning relevant agencies to adhere to the outlined plan. The OTP is to expedite the draft Act's proposal to the Ministry of Transport for submission to the Cabinet (Cabinet), aiming for enforcement by 2025. A promotion fund will be established to support joint ticket system management, development, and promotion, ensuring convenience and reasonable travel costs for the public, thereby sustainably reducing travel expenses and overcoming existing concession limitations.
Tasks have been assigned to the OTP, the Department of Rail Transport, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to issue related announcements post-enforcement of the Act. This aims to make the 20 Baht flat fare policy a tangible reality as per the government's plan.
The draft Joint Ticket System Management Act includes seven chapters and transitional provisions (45 sections) as follows:
- Definitions (Sections 1-4)
- Chapter 1: Joint Ticket System Policy Committee (Sections 5-13)
- Chapter 2: Joint Ticket System Management (Sections 14-23)
- Chapter 3: Joint Ticket System Operations (Section 24)
- Chapter 4: Joint Fare Rates (Sections 25-28)
- Chapter 5: Joint Ticket System Promotion Fund (Sections 29-34)
- Chapter 6: Suspension and Revocation of Licenses (Sections 35-36)
- Chapter 7: Administrative Penalties (Sections 37-40)
- Transitional Provisions (Sections 41-45)
"The Ministry of Transport is confident that the expedited implementation of the Joint Ticket System Management Act will support the development and promotion of the joint ticket system. This will materialize the government's 20 Baht flat fare policy for electric trains by March 2026, allowing the public to use the mass transit system conveniently at reasonable travel costs, reducing travel expenses sustainably for the true well-being of the people," said Mr. Suriya.
"Purple Line" Sets New High! End of June Friday Sees Over 86,000 Passengers
Daily News, June 29, 2024, 2:21 PM
The Purple Line metro set a new high with 86,000 passengers using the service on the last Friday of June 2024, the highest since it began operations. This surge comes after the implementation of a flat fare of 20 baht across the entire line. Overall, the use of trains and metros reached 1.84 million passengers.
Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), reported that on June 28, 2024, which was the last Friday of June, the Purple Line (Chalong Ratchadham Line) saw 86,639 trips, the highest since its inauguration. This record was achieved after the introduction of a maximum fare of 20 baht starting from October 16, 2023. The previous record was on December 1, 2023, with 83,274 trips.
On June 28, 2024, the overall rail transport system saw a total of 1,845,398 trips. This included 78,414 trips on 212 intercity train services operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), with 28,458 trips on commercial trains and 49,956 trips on social service trains.
For Bangkok and metropolitan area metro services, there were 1,766,984 trips, comprising:
- Airport Rail Link: 223 trips (including 8 additional trips) with 77,996 passengers
- Red Line: 294 trips with 39,474 passengers (including 50 free trips for long-distance train passengers)
- Purple Line: 321 trips (including 3 additional trips) with 86,639 passengers, the highest since the line began operations
- Blue Line (Chalerm Ratchamongkol Line): 485 trips (including 33 additional trips) with 532,552 passengers
- BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit and Silom Lines): 1,240 trips with 904,244 passengers
- BTS Gold Line: 219 trips with 7,986 passengers
- MRT Yellow Line: 276 trips with 46,270 passengers
- MRT Pink Line: 276 trips with 71,823 passengers
The Ministry of Transport has instructed relevant agencies to organize feeder systems to facilitate and reduce travel costs, especially for the Purple and Red Lines. Since the implementation of the 20 baht flat fare, the number of passengers using these lines has been steadily increasing.
Thailand's Department of Rail Transport (DRT) held a meeting to review railway incidents in June and July 2023, focusing on two main events:
1. Pink Line Monorail Door Opening Incident (July 4, 2023):
- A passenger's bag got caught in the train door at Lat Pla Khao station.
- Staff attempted to resolve the issue but miscommunication led to doors opening for about 50 seconds while the train was partially out of the station.
- The incident was not due to technical malfunction but human error.
- DRT emphasized improving communication with passengers during emergencies and stricter adherence to safety protocols.
- New procedures were introduced, including ensuring trains are fully in the station before opening doors.
2. Fire Near Airport Rail Link Ramkhamhaeng Station (July 1, 2023):
- The meeting discussed improving fire prevention measures for businesses renting space near railway stations.
- Recommendations included maintaining proper evacuation routes, regular electrical system checks, and staff training on fire prevention and response.
The DRT director noted that while they oversee rail operations, they currently lack legal authority to impose penalties. A draft Rail Transport Act is pending approval, which would grant DRT more regulatory power.
The article emphasizes the focus on improving safety protocols and communication in response to these incidents.
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