Revising Potential Amendments to the Mass Rapid Transit Act for Implementation of Fixed Fares
You Know What's Popping Off in Thailand's Public Transport Scene?
Things are heating up in Thailand's public transportation sector! The Ministry of Transport is readying itself to toss a wrench into the old Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act during a special parliamentary session later this month. This shake-up comes right before the rollout of the electric railway system's 20-baht flat fare policy, scheduled for September.
Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri dropped the bombshell during a press conference earlier this week. The ministry is currently finalizing a draft amendment to the MRT Act, aiming to present it for debate during the special session scheduled for May 28-30. This event will focus on discussing the 2026 fiscal budget.
So, what's the big deal with these amendments? Simple—they're introducing a compensation fund to sort out fair playing field for private train operators who'll have to deal with reduced fares. The aim is to get them on board for offering a flat rate of 20 baht per trip.
If you're wondering where you can lend your voice to this debate, the MRTA has got you covered! They've set up a public hearing via the Central Legal website, and it'll wrap up on May 2. Your feedback can help shape the final draft, expected to get cabinet approval by May 13.
Now, why this sudden need for change? Well, the MRT Act has been collecting dust for a while now, riddled with outdated provisions that clamp down on operational flexibility and infrastructure development. To address this, the updated legislation is being designed to breathe new life into the legal framework, streamlining asset management, expanding integrated ticketing systems, and extending the MRTA's operational reach.
Moreover, two other transport-related bills will be tabled for debate during the upcoming session—the Rail Transport Department Bill and the Common Ticketing Bill. The latter aims to unify ticketing systems across different transport modes.
So there you have it—Thailand's public transportation scene is waking up from its slumber, ready to bring you affordable, modernized travel options! Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting revamp!
[1] https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2194646/house-to-debate-2026-budget-and-transport-laws[2] https://www.nationthailand.com/politics/30408302[3] https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2258987/mrt-to-cut-costs-by-95-billion[4] https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2197446/mrt-to-get-extra-funds-for-its-independence[5] https://thethaiger.com/thailand/bangkok/debate-on-draft-amendments-to-mrt-act-scheduled-for-may-28
- The upcoming special parliamentary session next month will announce a draft amendment to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Act, aiming to introduce a compensation fund for private train operators as part of a rate reduction strategy.
- The Deputy Minister of Finance, Manaporn Charoensri, announced this shake-up in a recent press conference, stating that the amendment will help private operators agree to a flat rate of 20 baht per trip for the electric railway system.
- The revisions to the MRT Act are designed to modernize and streamline asset management, expand integrated ticketing systems, and extend the MRTA’s operational reach in Thailand's transportation industry.
- This phase of financial and transportation reform also includes the tabling of two associated bills for debate during the session: the Rail Transport Department Bill and the Common Ticketing Bill, with the latter aiming to unify ticketing systems across different transport modes.
