Phiphat launches transport relief with 40-baht rail and 50-baht toll cap
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn unveils measures to cut travel costs, launching 40-baht flat rail fares and 50-baht expressway fees.
- The government has announced a transport relief package featuring a 40-baht all-day flat fare for all electric train lines.
- A pilot for the 40-baht rail fare will run on the Red and Purple lines from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026.
- The package also includes a proposed 50-baht flat-rate toll cap per trip for all expressways.
- The new 50-baht toll policy is expected to be introduced by the end of 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced a new cost-of-living relief package focusing on affordable public transport. He confirmed that the government aims to introduce a 40-baht all-day flat fare covering every electric train line during this administration.
Phiphat said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has been instructed to conduct a feasibility study on creating a unified rail management model, or “single ownership,” to bring all lines under one governing body. This would enable a uniform daily fare system across Bangkok’s entire electric train network.
Initially, the pilot scheme will apply to the Red Line and Purple Line projects, which are already under state management. The daily 40-baht flat fare is scheduled to run from December 1 2025 to November 30 2026. The Transport Ministry will seek Cabinet approval for the initiative on November 18.
As part of the single ownership study, the MRTA will assess the financial and legal implications, including possible compensation and buyback of private concessions to transfer ownership to the government.
Findings are expected to be submitted to the Transport Ministry on November 6, before being reviewed by the policy steering committee on November 11. The proposal will then be tabled for Cabinet consideration on November 25, with implementation expected within the current government’s term.
Phiphat added that further cost-of-living measures are being developed to ease tollway expenses. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has been tasked with studying a 50-baht flat-rate toll for all expressways per trip.
The new toll policy is expected to be introduced as a New Year’s gift to the public by the end of 2025.
