The Cabinet has approved the transfer of the Green Line electric train to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). On December 6, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the trial run of the train from Bearing to Samut Prakan, allowing the public to ride for free until after Songkran. After that, fares will be charged, with a maximum fare of 70 baht for the purple and blue lines.

          Mr. Putthipong Punnakanta, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and Government Spokesperson, revealed that the Cabinet meeting approved the transfer of debts and assets of the Green Line electric train project, amounting to 63.9 billion baht, between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BMA. As for the payment terms, the BMA will need to pay the initial amount of 7.9 billion baht that the MRTA has already paid before gradually settling the principal amount with interest starting from September 30.

          Mr. Putthipong stated that the change in responsibility for the Green Line electric train project, covering both the Bearing-Samut Prakan and Mo Chit-Sapan Mai-Khukhot sections, will lead to more efficient and unified management compared to when the MRTA was in charge. Currently, the BMA is responsible for managing the Green Line from Mo Chit to Bearing, with Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) holding the concession for the operation. Once the assets are transferred, the BMA will be responsible for the Green Line project from Khukhot to Samut Prakan, totaling 47 stations over a distance of 55.95 kilometers.

          "The intention is to allow the BMA to manage the operation of the Green Line electric train project systematically. All agreements, such as the transfer of rights, ownership, and obligations of other agencies, will be transferred to the BMA, except for one issue: the Park and Ride buildings. The Green Line will have three Park and Ride facilities, and the Ministry of Transport explained that the reason for not transferring these buildings to the BMA is that the MRTA and the Ministry of Transport currently manage a total of 11 Park and Ride facilities, so they want to ensure consistent management," Mr. Putthipong said.

          Additionally, the Cabinet meeting acknowledged the borrowing of funds to facilitate the transfer of assets and debts of the Green Line electric train project from Mo Chit to Sapan Mai-Khukhot and from Bearing to Samut Prakan, as proposed by the Ministry of Interior. The BMA is also instructed to operate transparently, efficiently, and economically, considering the objectives and benefits to ensure effectiveness and achievement according to the Fiscal Discipline Act of 2018, as per the Budget Bureau's recommendations.

          The transfer of assets and debts will result in a financial burden of 51,785.37 million baht for the BMA, including infrastructure costs not exceeding 44,429 million baht and compensation for property rights and interest, with a budget of no more than 7,356.37 million baht already allocated by the Budget Bureau.

          “Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-cha has instructed the MRTA to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to provide housing for low-income individuals near the electric train lines. This will allow low-income residents to live close to the electric train routes. This is another reason why the MRTA and the Ministry of Transport have not yet transferred the Park and Ride facilities to the BMA,” Mr. Putthipong stated.

          Mr. Phairin Chuchotitham, Deputy Minister of Transport, mentioned that on December 3, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed between the two agencies to fully transfer the project in preparation for the opening of the southern Green Line from Bearing to Samut Prakan. The inaugural trial run will take place on the morning of December 6, with the Prime Minister presiding over the ceremony. The Prime Minister has instructed that the trial run period should last about 3-4 months before actual fares are collected after the Songkran festival in 2022, as a gift to the public.

          Mr. Phairin further stated that the Cabinet has approved the draft regulations on parking fees and collection methods for Park and Ride facilities, as the MRTA manages all 10 Park and Ride facilities along the electric train routes. Therefore, the Cabinet has authorized the MRTA to manage the Park and Ride facilities for the Green Line extension to ensure consistent service standards and pricing across locations to avoid public confusion.

          The MRTA has confirmed that the southern Green Line Park and Ride facilities will be free for about 3-4 months or until the BMA starts charging fares for the electric train. Additionally, the MRTA is collaborating with the Housing Authority to develop a pilot housing project near the electric train for low-income individuals, the first of its kind in Bangkok. The project will involve constructing residential buildings with the ground floors designated for Park and Ride facilities, while the upper floors will provide housing for low-income residents. This project is located on Sukhumvit Road in Samut Prakan, covering an area of 18 rai and accommodating 720 vehicles.

          Currently, the parking fees for Park and Ride facilities are as follows: 1. For electric train users: 10 baht for 2 hours; 2. General public: 20 baht per hour; 3. Monthly parking fee: 1,000 baht; 4. Motorcycle parking: 10 baht for 4 hours.

          Mr. Phairin also mentioned that the Cabinet has approved the regulations for the fare structure between the blue and purple electric train lines. Currently, there is an exemption for the initial fare of 14 baht when transferring between the electric trains. However, there has been an announcement to increase the fare for the blue line by 1 baht per station for three stations, but the fare ceiling remains unchanged, necessitating the proposal of the draft regulations for Cabinet consideration again.

          Nevertheless, the approval of this draft will result in a fare of 70 baht for the entire journey from the starting point of the purple line to the endpoint of the blue line, which is considered a reasonable fare for the distance and encourages more people to use public transportation.

          Mr. Pakapong Sirikhantharamas, Governor of the MRTA, stated that the asset transfer value for the Green Line electric train is 51,785 million baht, which is last year's figure. If calculated until September 30, 2018, the total would be 63,900 million baht, not including the ongoing interest. Additionally, there are costs related to property rights as some parties are still appealing, which may continue to court. If the expropriated parties receive additional compensation, it will also need to be paid.

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