|
|
| • EXCH RATES |
|
Baht/$ 33.35/39
Bid/Ask
|
GOLD |
14,700
+ 50
|
|
NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG
Operators of Bangkok's elevated train and subway are looking forward to increased ridership now that taxi fares have risen by an average of 12% per trip. The starting rate for taxis yesterday rose to 35 baht for the first kilometre instead of two kilometres before.
The fares would then be increased to five baht per kilometre for the second to twelfth kilometres, 5.50 baht a kilometre for the 12th to 20th km, six baht a kilometre for the 20th to 40th km, 6.50 baht a kilometre for the 40th to 60th km, 7.50 baht a kilometre for the 60th to 80th km, and 8.50 baht a kilometre beyond that.
Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), which operates two elevated train lines in the capital, expects its ridership to increase as some Bangkok commuters shun taxis after the fare rises.
Since the beginning of this year, high oil prices have encouraged motorists to stop using their cars and opt for BTS service, said Anat Arbhabhirama, an advisor to the BTS board of directors.
The skytrain's ridership now stands at 440,000 to 460,000 on weekdays, up from the average of 400,000 per day last year, and 370,000 on Saturday and up to 300,000 on Sunday, he said.
''Some people are travelling and shopping less often at this time. But for those who decide to make a trip, they are often choosing the BTS,'' Mr Anat said.
Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), the subway operator, said its passenger total could also rise from the current average of 190,000 daily.
''The taxi fare hike might help push our ridership up but probably not significantly because the current subway network does not cover all the areas Bangkok commuters want to travel to,'' said Chartchai Praditpong, corporate relations director of BMCL. ''So they choose taxis to go to places the subway does not reach.''
BMCL operates a 20-km line with fares from 15 to 39 baht. It received Transport Ministry approval to raise fares to a range of 16 to 40 baht from yesterday, but has delayed it until January. ''We think the current high oil prices mean consumers are not in a position to afford higher fares,'' Mr Chartchai said.
BMCL's ridership is up 5% from last year and it believes it can reach a daily average of 200,000 by year-end, he added.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Next
