BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand is moving ahead with a joint-fare system for participating Bangkok and metropolitan rail lines, with an initial entry fare capped at 17 baht and the combined fare set at no more than 45 baht per trip. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the policy is aimed at reducing commuting costs, particularly for passengers who need to change between multiple rail lines. The government is targeting implementation by January 1, 2027.
Under the proposed system, passengers connecting between participating rail lines would not face repeated entry charges, subject to the conditions and rules being prepared by authorities.
The Ministry of Transport is also preparing a Central Clearing House (CCH) to manage the collection, settlement and distribution of fare revenue among different rail operators. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has been instructed to accelerate the necessary regulations and coordinate with the Finance Ministry on the operating framework. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have also been instructed to negotiate with concessionaires over fare structures, revenue sharing and other conditions needed to introduce the joint-fare system.
The committee approved 10 draft subordinate regulations under the 2025 Joint Ticketing System Management Act, covering ministerial regulations and announcements aimed at establishing clear standards and oversight mechanisms. The government also approved in principle a policy governing contributions to and spending from the Joint Ticketing System Promotion Fund. Authorities said work will continue on legislation, revenue-management systems, technology and negotiations with operators and concessionaires, with the aim of putting the maximum 45-baht joint fare into operation for participating routes by January 1, 2027. (TNA)
