The Department of Rail Transport supports the policy and states that it is feasible if the government can provide an annual subsidy of 5.4 billion baht.
The Pheu Thai Party proposed the 20-baht Bangkok metro policy during its election campaign and informed the Election Commission that it would require a budget of 40 billion baht, along with an additional 8 billion baht annually from the regular budget allocation. The party emphasised the need for budget allocation, as the benefits outweigh the costs.
Pichet Kunathammarak, director-general of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), stated that while the 20-baht fare policy is viable, a clear government decision on target groups and the timing of implementation is necessary. These aspects, as well as the duration of the policy, need to be clarified before considering the budget allocation or compensating the private sector.
The DRT…
