BTS Group Holdings Considers Bangkok’s Green Line Concession Buyback After Backing New Flat Fare
- BTS Group Holdings is open to the government buying back the Green Line concession, estimating the cost at approximately 50 billion baht.
- This consideration comes as the company expresses strong support for the new government’s proposed 40-baht flat daily fare policy.
- The company chairman projects that the flat-fare system could increase passenger numbers on the Green Line by 60-70%.
- The discussion of a potential buyback is occurring ahead of the core concession’s expiry in 2029.
Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas estimates a 50 billion baht cost for the government to nationalise the Bangkok rail system ahead of the 2029 expiry.
BTS Group Holdings has signalled its willingness to discuss a government buyback of the Green Line electric railway concession, a move that comes as the company embraces the new administration’s plan for a 40-baht flat daily fare.
Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of the Board of Directors, revealed that while there have been no formal negotiations, the company is open to the idea, provided it benefits the public.
He estimates the cost for the state to acquire the concession from the private sector would be approximately 50 billion baht, representing the capital expenditure invested by the company over the last 30 years.
“This is a good concept if it is beneficial to passengers,” Keeree stated, confirming that the company would consider the proposal.
The core concession for the Green Line is currently set to expire in 2029 (2572 BE).
Separate Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contracts for the extensions—including the Sukhumvit Line (On Nut–Bearing) and Silom Line (Saphan Taksin–Bang Wa), as well as the Bearing–Samut Prakan and Mo Chit–Ku Khot sections—are due to expire later, in 2042 (2585 BE).
Keeree strongly supported the government’s flat 40-baht daily fare, noting that it is cheaper than the existing 20-baht-per-trip rate.
He is ready to collaborate on the initiative, which he sees as prioritising passenger convenience and value.
The chairman projected that the introduction of a more affordable flat-fare system could increase the number of passengers using the Green Line by 60-70%.
This is a substantial boost compared to the 40% increase previously seen under the government’s policy of offering free rides to mitigate the PM 2.5 dust pollution problem.
Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/policy/40057553
