Senior citizens to pay half fare on boat transport by showing ID cards
Deputy Transport Minister Athirat Rattanaseth on Tuesday (December 3) presided over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Marine Department, Thai Boat Association and boat operators on the Chao Phraya River, Saen Saeb Canal and Phasi Jaoren Canal at Rom Sai Park in front of Marine Department.
“This MoU corresponds with Elder Act B.E. 2546 article 11(6) which aims to reduce public transportation fares for Thais over the age of 60,” he said. “The Marine Department and operators of public boats in Bangkok and the surrounding area earlier agreed to offer 50 per cent discount on boat fares to senior citizens who present the discount card issued by the Marine Department when travelling by boat.”
Athirat further explained that in 2019, 8,780 elder persons registered with the Marine Department to receive discount cards. “However, statistics from Department of Senior Services reveal that there are 1,061,753 seniors over the age of 60 years,” he said. “This indicates that the discount card system isn’t covering the majority of elderly persons. Moreover, the discount cards will expire in 5 years, requiring card holders to come down to the Marine Department to get their cards renewed.
“To make it more convenient for the elderly persons, we decided to switch to ID card system instead,” said Athirat. “From December 5 onward, elder persons aged over 60 years can show ID card to boat operators to receive 50 per cent discount immediately.”
“This new ID card system is applicable to all public boat rides in Bangkok and the surrounding area,” he added.