Thailand extends free bus & train services

BANGKOK, 1 April 2013

The cabinet has decided to extend free bus and train services for six more months, while the transport minister has proposed an idea of a free public transport ticket for low-income people.

At the mobile cabinet meeting in Chachoengsao province, the cabinet has approved an extension of the government's free bus and train services for another six months.

The free services currently include non-air-conditioned buses in Bangkok on 73 routes, and third-class train services on about 170 trains per day. The service extension is expected to cost the government 2 billion baht.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt proposed at the cabinet meeting the idea of a free ticket for low-income people, to be used on all public transport services. The idea would be further discussed in future meetings, and no decision has been made on the idea yet.

NNT - National News Bureau of Thailand