Minister keen on buying back mass transit lines

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn says buying back all private mass transit lines is necessary to maintain affordable travel fares for the public, though the Finance Ministry insists there are no plans for such a purchase.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

The government established a committee on Oct 15, chaired by Mr Phiphat with Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas as vice-chair, to drive implementation of the electric train fare policy to reduce living costs for the public.

According to Mr Phiphat, the committee is scheduled to meet for the first time on Oct 29 to discuss the direction for integrated transport management.

He said the government wants to issue common tickets for all electric trains, with the fare capped at a maximum of 40 baht.