BRT service upheld for six years

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will maintain its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service for another six years, but the fare will be adjusted to 15 baht throughout its route as of May 29, 2017. Bangkok Governor Police General Asawin Kwanmuang told journalists of the decision on Tuesday, saying that BMA has authorized the Krungthep Thanakom Co.,Ltd (KT), a state enterprise under BMA, to take over the management of BRT over the next six years, after its existing operational contract expires on May 29. The governor explained that KT will be solely responsible for the management and operation of the BRT service over the next six years without any budget support from BMA, but its fare will be adjusted to 15 baht per passenger throughout the route. According to the governor, a latest survey found that most passengers can afford the new fare, which will be, however, exempted for all students, the elderly aged over 60 years and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The Bangkok governor pointed out that the new approach should help save the City Hall's budget by over 1.5 billion baht over the next six years, after that a new electric train system run by BMA may be developed, replacing the BRT service. (TNA)