Over 1.63 Million People Utilize Free Electric Trains on Launch Day
Significant Increase in Passenger Trips
On January 25, 2025, the inaugural day of the free electric rail service in Bangkok saw an impressive 1.63 million passenger trips, marking a 45.29% increase compared to the average Saturday in January. This initiative is part of the government’s strategy to combat PM2.5 dust pollution and promote public transportation usage.
Details of the Free Service Initiative
The free rides are available on all electric rail lines and buses operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) from January 25 to 31, 2025. This measure was announced by Prime Minister Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra as a response to rising air pollution levels in the capital.
Breakdown of Passenger Statistics
The electric rail system recorded a total of 1,634,446 passenger trips, with the Gold Line showing the highest increase at 242% compared to previous Saturdays. The Yellow and Pink Lines also experienced significant growth, with increases of 92.68% and 86.28%, respectively.
Intercity Train Usage
In addition to electric trains, intercity trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reported 75,303 passengers across 215 trains on the same day. This included both commercial and social trains, reflecting a slight decrease from previous averages.
Environmental Impact and Future Expectations
The surge in public transport usage is seen as a positive step towards reducing reliance on personal vehicles, thereby lowering carbon monoxide emissions and improving air quality. The Department of Rail Transport anticipates even higher passenger numbers on January 27, particularly during peak hours, despite ongoing work-from-home promotions.
Enhancements for Passenger Comfort
To accommodate the expected influx of passengers, service providers are increasing train frequencies during rush hours and monitoring station traffic to ensure efficient operations. Additional ticketing counters and machines will also be made available to facilitate smooth travel for commuters.
