BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is preparing to extend its daily rail fare pass scheme until December 31, 2027, to reduce commuting expenses and ease the cost of living. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan announced that the committee overseeing the government’s rail fare policy has reviewed a proposal to extend the scheme beyond its scheduled expiration on November 30, 2026.
The proposed extension includes the SRT Red Line suburban railway, covering the Bangkok Aphiwat–Taling Chan and Bangkok Aphiwat–Rangsit routes, and the MRT Purple Line. The Ministry of Transport will submit the proposal to the Cabinet for consideration. Since its introduction on December 1, 2025, the scheme has increased ridership and encouraged greater use of EMV contactless payment cards.
As of August 2026, the Red Line averaged 9,460 passenger trips per day, an 89.01% increase. Average daily fare revenue rose 212.43% to 310,000 baht. The Purple Line averaged 27,653 passenger trips per day, up 135.41%. Average daily fare revenue increased 275% to 600,000 baht.
Combined ridership across both lines averaged 37,113 passenger trips per day, representing an increase of 121.54%. The government said these results support the extension, which aims to encourage public transportation use and continue to relieve daily travel expenses. (NNT)
