BMTA plans to up bus fares

BANGKOK, Jan 13 (TNA) -- The government-run debt-ridden Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) plans to request the government's permission to increasie the bus fares, said BMTA director Prayoon Choygeo. Mr Prayoon said BMTA would first submit rehabilitation plan to a state enterprise policy committee and, if approved, the plan would be forwarded to the Transport Ministry and the cabinet respectively. If approved eventually, the BMTA is prepared to increase fares for ordinary and air-conditioned buses, he said. Under the plan, BMTA will increase fares for ordinary buses at 1.50 baht and 2 baht for air-conditioned buses so that they would be equaled to private-run buses receiving concession from the BMTA and to also reflect the real costs. The BMTA has also prepared the rehabilitation plan aimed at improving its efficiency and services, said Mr Prayoon. The plan is also designed to enable the agency to stand on its feet, without depending on financial assistance from the government, he added. (TNA)