Thailand Set to Improve Third-Class Trains with Air Conditioning and Seating Upgrades
The Thailand State Railway (SRT) plans to enhance its third-class train services and facilities by investing 780 million baht in new seating and air conditioning. For this project’s initial phase, scheduled for next year, 130 of these carriages will be fitted with air conditioning.
Transport Deputy Minister, Surapong Piyachote, informed DailyNews that SRT is currently seeking contractors for this improvement project. The first part of the renovation will cover 130 out of the current stock of 400 carriages, with completion set for 2025.
Surapong shared that the project will be carried out in two stages. The first stage involves the upgrade of 50 third-class carriages, with 80 more to be completed by 2025. The estimated cost of upgrading each carriage is around 6 million baht, making the total budget for the first phase approximately 780 million baht.
This improvement plan came as a response to passenger’s demand, according to Surapong. A study showed that passengers are more than willing to pay extra for improved services and facilities. The SRT currently provides nine million seats on air-conditioned trains annually, but the demand is double that number.
However, Surapong acknowledged that passengers will have to pay more for these enhanced third-class trains. The starting price may rise from 2 baht to 20 baht once the air conditioning is installed. But the SRT will take steps to protect less well-off passengers to make sure that the trains are accessible to everyone.
Surapong stressed that adjustments will be made in a way that won’t disrupt daily commuting. Hence, only 130 carriages will be upgraded in the first phase. The aim is to eventually eliminate all trains without air conditioning.
Thai citizens have recently expressed concerns online about the complex ticket-booking system and costly fares. They stated that the necessity to rebook if there is an error on the ticket, pay 50% extra if they reschedule, and only receiving 30% back if they cancel their journeys is unfair. And while they are prepared to adhere to the rules, they seek improvement on the booking website from the SRT. They also suggested that short-distance travellers be permitted to book their tickets in advance, much like long-distance travellers are allowed.
Source: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331929-thailand-set-to-improve-third-class-trains-with-air-conditioning-and-seating-upgrades
