BANGKOK, Nov 20 (TNA) — The Ministry of Transport has given the green light to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) request for a fare hike and will be seeking final approval from the Central Land Transport Control Board in December.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith met with the BMTA union on Monday where he was informed that rising fuel prices – especially NGV prices; had had a dramatic impact on overheads. As a result of this, the ministry has agreed with the request for a fare hike that reflected the rise in running costs.
Mr Arkhom said the ministry has told the Central Land Transport Control Board to consider the proposed fare hikes.
The board was asked to approve the new fares in the middle of next month, but how much the fares would be raised will depend on its consideration, he said.
Bus operators said the flat-rate fare for regular or non-air conditioned buses should be raised from nine to 12 baht.
The fare for air conditioned buses should be increased to 15 baht, up from 13 baht at present with a two-baht hike for each distance range, they said. (TNA)
