Train agency's subsidy slashed
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The Cabinet on Tuesday has slashed the subsidy for free-train services to the poor from Bt5 billion to Bt2.97 billion.
The subsidy is for the 2013 fiscal year. The State Railway of Thailand's request for Bt535 million funding for basic infrastructure and Bt502 million funding for its pension progarmme was denied. Meanwhile, the depreciation cost is cut from Bt617 million to Bt58 million and the interest expense from Bt293 million to Bt86 million.
"The prime minister also asked the transport minister to review the SRT's efficiency, following frequent accidents. Inefficient services should be scrapped for the public safety," he said.
