The cabinet has agreed to ask underground train system operator Bangkok Metro Company Plc (BMCL) to keep fares at present levels to help keep down commuters' living costs, reports said.
Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said the cabinet meeting today authorised the Transport Ministry to ask the subway operator to delay planned fare rises.
Under the subway operating concession, BMCL has the right to raise subway fares every two years, in line with the inflation rate. BMCL is eligible to increase its fares from the current rangeof 14 baht to 36 baht, dependingon distance, to 16 baht to 40 baht on July 2012.
The Ministry of Transport is required to report the outcome of talks to the next cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra earlier ordered state agencies to freeze fares on other kinds of transport systems to help control the high cost of living.
Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said the cabinet meeting today authorised the Transport Ministry to ask the subway operator to delay planned fare rises.
Under the subway operating concession, BMCL has the right to raise subway fares every two years, in line with the inflation rate. BMCL is eligible to increase its fares from the current rangeof 14 baht to 36 baht, dependingon distance, to 16 baht to 40 baht on July 2012.
The Ministry of Transport is required to report the outcome of talks to the next cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra earlier ordered state agencies to freeze fares on other kinds of transport systems to help control the high cost of living.
