The Bangkok Frugal Photographer is annoyed with the Bangkok MRTA (Subway). I wrote in September (here) about a planned fare hike (British English word) that targeted frequent travelers. It was due to take place on October 15th. Here is the sign they posted in all subway stations:
Just before October 15th. they decided to defer the fare increase until November 30th. (today). Here is a not-very-good photo of the poster with the new date stuck on.
Fare Increase Postponed
That was a little but of good news.
Today was meant to be the first day of the new fares. But today I saw this notice in my local subway station:
Second Change
They have discontinued the 30-Day pass which was due to rise from 1,000 Baht to 1,150 Baht. They have a 15-Day pass for 600 Baht, thus 1,200 Baht for 30 days. And that price is only guaranteed until February 28, 2010.
Previously they said they would cancel the 10% discount passengers get by buying a prepaid card. Now that “promotion” (actually the Subway’s free use of passengers’ money) has been graciously extended until July 2, 2010.
Fortunately I bought a 30-Day pass on November 29th at the old price of 1,000 Baht. So I am doing well until January.
I wonder what the Subway Management team thinks it is doing. There are thousands of regular commuters who use the 30-Day pass. Why did they discontinue it? Do they think travelers will not notice the 20% increase if they buy two 15-Day passes?
There must be turmoil in their system to make two changes so suddenly. I wonder if politics are involved. Inevitably!
November 30, 2009 at 4:18 pm |
I should not get too excited. If they can change it twice before implementation it is quite likely they’ll change it again. TiT.
December 1, 2009 at 7:16 pm |
I must say, at 7Am that sequence is a bit too complicated for me to follow. Bit like “The pellet with the poison’s in the flagon with the dragon; the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true!”.
December 1, 2009 at 10:53 pm |
It’s too complex for most Bangkokians too. The BMTA has big construction loans to pay off and ambitious plans to expand the network from its current 1 line. But at the moment it is a very small system to manage.
December 17, 2009 at 1:45 pm |
[...] stores and hypermarkets in the future.” I wonder if that has any connection with the Subway withdrawing the 30-Day Pass. Perhaps it is incompatible with their new system. Whatever … it is still a pain and very [...]