Bangkok’s 20-baht metro dream in danger of derailing

Bangkok commuters’ dream of paying no more than 20 baht for a metro ride regardless of distance traveled still faces serious obstacles. 

Even with the ruling Pheu Thai Party by their side, the dream continues to seem far-fetched. Currently, fares start at 12 baht and go as high as 47 baht per ride. If commuters use more than one metro line per trip, they also have to pay more.

Current fares

There are now 12 city lines in Greater Bangkok, stretching a total of 242.34 kilometers. Together, they cover not just the capital but also nearby provinces like Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

Developed at different times, these lines have separate systems along with different minimum and maximum fares. For example, Bangkok’s first and most popular metro route – the Green Line – charges from 17 baht per ride. Its maximum fare is 47 baht. The Red Line, meanwhile, has fares ranging from 12…