Free public transport to be restricted to needy people, govt says
THE government will not scrap free city buses and third-class train rides, but will implement measures soon to ensure such services go to those who need them most, the government has said.
The new measures are slated for introduction on April 30.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Transport Ministry to find effective ways to help low-income people amid rising living costs, government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
The details of a new measure to provide free bus and train travel for certain groups was being studied and linked with the database for low-income people, he said.
“The government isn’t thinking of cancelling free bus/train services, but PM Prayut wants it to truly aid low-income persons and for the budget management to be financially efficient,” he said.
Sansern said taxpayers’ money had been used to subsidise free services and they were being used by higher income earners and foreign tourists – not the target groups. This had resulted in a heavy burden and continuing losses.
He said the Transport Ministry, Interior Ministry and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration would soon organise the registration of low-income people and conduct an annual basic minimum needs survey. Both jobs are slated for completion in April.
A low-income earner – someone who makes less than Bt3,632 a month – and children aged under 12 would not have to pay bus fares or would receive a discount, Sansern said, adding that a monthly pass system to accommodate low-income earners and children aged under 12 would be established.
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