People who earn less than exactly THB2,422 per month will enjoy the privilege of discounted bus and train service when the free transit scheme expires Aug. 1.
The Ministry of Transport is drafting a new rules for those eligible for the free and discounted transit services, as the free-ride policy has cost the state over THB24 billion since its introduction in 2008.
From Aug. 1, free buses are reserved for people under 14 and over 60, those with disabilities, veterans and religious figures such as monks, nuns and novices, according to General-Secretary Soitip Traisut.
Meanwhile, “low-income” commuters who earn less than THB2,422 per month will pay half-price. The number was determined by the National Economic and Social Development Board.
The method to identify those eligible for the privilege has not been announced yet.
The proposed conditions will be submitted for cabinet approval before the current extension expires on July 31.
The free-to-ride bus project was launched by Samak Sundaravej’s People’s Power Party-led government in 2008 to help low-income people for six months, Thai PBS reported.
Photo: 246-you
