Bangkok Skytrain Fares to Increase in December

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Skytrain's Minimum Fare Increases Next Month

 

The minimum fare on the Skytrain will rise from Bt10 to Bt15 next month, the operator Bangkok Mass Transit (BTS) announced on Wednesday.

 

However, the maximum fare of Bt40 will remain unchanged.

 

Anat Arbhabirama, advisor to the BTS board, said the rise in the minimum fare would not affect long haul passengers.

 

According to Anat, this is will be the first time the BTS has raised its fare since it began service six years ago. With the rise, the BTS is expected to earn Bt10.6 million a month from fares compared to the current average of Bt9.5 million.

 

"The fare hike is necessary in the face of rising electricity, petrol and operational costs," Anat said.

 

On the extension route of the Skytrain from Taksin Bridge to Thon Buri, Anat said it would depend on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to decide on how much to charge passengers travelling on the new route that stretches over two stations.

 

"The BMA has paid for this extension route," Anat said.

 

The new route is expected to begin operations in 2008.