BMA chief voices train fare compensation concerns
Mr Chadchart expressed support for the government's second phase of the 20-baht maximum fare policy for electric trains across the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), saying that this initiative will help ease financial burdens on commuters.
However, he noted that the current concession agreements with private train operators involve average fares of around 34 baht per passenger. With roughly 700,000 passengers, a figure likely to increase, the concessionaires could face a substantial revenue loss as the Ministry of Transport's compensation estimate appears low.
The BMA has also hired private firms to operate some train lines at an annual cost of around eight billion baht while collecting only about two billion baht in fare revenue. Mr Chadchart said the compensation must also be fair in this case as well.
"What we're a little bit worried about is the contracts between the private concessionaires and the BMA. Clear discussions are needed because if they can't agree on a certain compensation, the BMA could be sued," Mr Chadchart said.
Meanwhile, Gp Capt Anudith Nakornthap, the Kla Tham Party's strategic chairman, defended the policy against critics who argue it is unfair to taxpayers outside the capital.
Gp Capt Anudith said that the 20-baht fare benefits all Thais, not just Bangkok residents, as anyone from across the country who works or visits the capital will also be able to enjoy lower fares.
He said that Bangkok contributes nearly 48.3% of national tax revenue -- far more than other regions -- demonstrating the city's critical role in national financing.
He warned against a view that public spending in Bangkok is designed to be regionally biased.
"This isn't about favouring just Bangkok," he concluded. "It's about reducing transport costs for everyone, which is a way to stimulate the economy by increasing people's purchasing power."
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