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7-day free train rides a success

36.81% increase in bus passengers and 39.62% increase in train users were the numbers released by the Thai government after it concluded its 7-day free public transportation initiative to combat the worsening PM 2.5. They also added that there were 350,000 fewer vehicles. However, some regular commuters expressed frustrations with overcrowding at the platforms.

In a The Nation report, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit shared that the government’s measures to combat PM2.5 through the 7-day free public transportation was a success.

The free ride scheme was implemented from January 25 through 31.

Suriya pointed out that on the first day of implementation, the level of PM2.5 in Bangkok had significantly dropped. He added that the number of vehicles on Bangkok’s streets also dropped by 350,000 on January 25 and 26. Carbon emissions were also reduced by 2,000kg per day, while nitrogen emissions also dropped by 14.8 tonnes per day.

Suriya also said that according to the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), 5,007,491 people used the bus service between January 25 and 31, that is a 36.81% increase compared to the previous week, January 18-24, with 3,660.088 passengers.

According to the Train Transport Department, 14,506,212 train passengers used various train services during the same period, a 39.62% increase during the previous week which was only at 10,389,766 passengers.

With numbers and details at hand, Suriya said that the increased number of train passengers show that fares directly influence public transport usage. As a result, the Transport Ministry will proceed with the implementation of the 20-baht flat fare by September this year.

However, frustrations arose from some white-collar commuters using the BTS Skytrain to the Silom area.

They say that the normally high fares on the BTS Skytrain made it convenient for them to commute to work and back home. But during the free rides week, they had to share the train with maids and security officers-who previously could not afford the fare, so they decide to drive to work instead.