MRT passengers per day

[jpatokal]

Poll time before the subway opens!

Question: How many passengers per day will the Blue Line have by the end of 2004?

[Hitesh]

I think the subway will get more passengers than the skytrain initially had due to 4 reasons:
1. People are more aware and know "how" to use mass transit trains.
2. The fare until mid August is only 10 baht, and then after that it will still be cheaper than the skytrain.
3. Petrol is more expensive than it was 5 years ago when the BTS opened, so fewer people want to drive.
4. Traffic is much worse than it was in 1999.

[jpatokal]

So the subway's been running for 10 days now, and the volumes seem to be settling down into the 200,000 range... which is worrisome, since the tickets are currently very cheap and tripling the prices will cut down on usage. Some things I noted:

First, if there really are "only" 200k pax/day, the trains seem relatively crowded, even during off hours. Does MRTA have plans to increase the frequency or train length?

And second, is it just me or has the Skytrain been more packed than usual since the subway started running? I didn't see a single free seat during 3 days of whizzing about, even during off-peak times like Friday 2 PM. Only trains to Mor Chit (=Chatuchak) on Saturday morning were less packed than usual...

Finally, the Thai-to-farang ratio seems to be much higher on the subway than on the Skytrain. Low prices attractive to Thais, poor info on the subway in tourist publications and maps, some other reason...?

[admin]

The subway does go near to a lot of areas more useful to Thais--the train stations, several schools, the many "apartment areas" along Ratchada, the courthouses (just north of Lad Phae Road), Klong Toei, and Queen Sirikit Convention Center--have you ever tried to take a taxi or park when there when they are having a book fair or travel show there? Impossible. The subway will make it practical to go to shows there again...

[The Enforcer!]

Just a thought but the Skytrain does link Sukhumvit (Farang Haven) with Silom (Farang Haven) but the Metro links no Farang Havens at all!

Few Farang use Hua Lampong, or go to Talad Klong Toei, visit the Thai Cultural Center/re, wander to the Saunas up Ratchadapisek, or even know where Kampaeng phet is!

In addition I would hazard a guess that when on holiday Farangs like to snap photos - not a lot to see underground!

The Enforcer!

[jpatokal]

Originally posted by The Enforcer!
Just a thought but the Skytrain does link Sukhumvit (Farang Haven) with Silom (Farang Haven) but the Metro links no Farang Havens at all!
Objection! Off the top of my head:
Hualamphong - major entry/exit point for eg. Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, trains to Malaysia, even Don Muang Airport
Si Lom - Patpong, Thaniya, Sois 2 & 4, ...
Lumpini - boxing stadium & Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Sukhumvit (Asoke) - Sukhumvit in general, Soi Cowboy in particular
Chatuchak - the weekend market
Kamphaeng Phet - another access point for the weekend market
Bang Sue - another access point for SRT trains
Plus I'd wager that eg. Ratchadaphisek/RCA, Lad Phrao, and the Cultural Center will start to see a lot more tourists now that there is a convenient means of access.

In addition I would hazard a guess that when on holiday Farangs like to snap photos - not a lot to see underground!
True -- but it still beats being stuck in a traffic jam.

[ncr]

Just a thought but the Skytrain does link Sukhumvit (Farang Haven) with Silom (Farang Haven) And so does the subway........ only it's much faster and more convenient. Or would you prefer to take the Skytrain from Asoke to Siam, then change to the other line, having to wait for the other train first (sometimes 5+ minutes) and then go back the same way some 500m before finally turning right onto Ratchadamri?

With the subway the whole trip Asoke-Silom is just around 7 minutes or so. (Try to beat that in a taxi, or even on a motorbike..... :D ) The availability of this route is probably the biggest improvement to Bangkok's traffic that the subway brings about.

[Nekochan]

I think the ridership of the subway may be around 150,000 pass/day within the first few months. I can only wait and see what would happen after Aug 12. If MRTA wants roughly the same amount of passengers, they need to offer discount tickets (adult and student tickets). But that depends on the contract with BMCL.

Break even?? Don't have any clue!! I think it is 120,000 pass/day (BTS = 450,000 pass/day)

In overall, subway alignment does not really attract as many pass as BTS!! Until MRTA starts to extend the route to Thonburi. And by the way, I think Orange line on (under?) Ramkamhang road would attract more people. And that ugly flyover has got to go!! (or they will keep it .... I don't know).

Khun Samak won't be around to do more stuff in the next 4 years, right? :confused:

[Nekochan]

I got that right?

I did a guess that BMCL could attract only 150,000 pass/day. I thought the right number was 180,000!!

Let's hope that BTS extention from Taksin - Wong Wein Yai can attract additional 50,000 pass/day (a long way to go for this extention).

[The Enforcer!]

Still maintain that it goes nowhere!

A straw poll at my club on Sunday revealed that out of eight Farang businessmen, only three had used the Subway and only one of them used it regularly.

Extensions are badly needed, sadly all I see if politicating and not action.

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

The end of the year is coming closer..... time to check!

So how many passengers does the MRT now have on average (for weekdays and weekends)?

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by ncr
The end of the year is coming closer..... time to check!

So how many passengers does the MRT now have on average (for weekdays and weekends)?

Didn't I read last week that it had dropped to 180,000 pax per day after the 12th August cut-off of 10 Baht fares?

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

Originally posted by The Enforcer!
Didn't I read last week that it had dropped to 180,000 pax per day after the 12th August cut-off of 10 Baht fares?Yeah, I'd also estimate something like that. Does someone have the official figures for last week or so?

[The Enforcer!]

From 2bangkok ..... translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, December 16, 2004
BMCL said they have 10,000 more students as passengers of the Subway (7%) after the introduction of student discount on smart card systems.

Thus if 10,000 is 7% increase, then total passenger numbers are 143,000 per day!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by The Enforcer!
From 2bangkok ..... translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, December 16, 2004
BMCL said they have 10,000 more students as passengers of the Subway (7%) after the introduction of student discount on smart card systems.

Thus if 10,000 is 7% increase, then total passenger numbers are 143,000 per day!

The Enforcer!

The Nation on Saturday (18.12.04) quotes the Subway as carrying 130-140,000 passengers a day.

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

This article mentioned similar figures:

Subway update: commercial deal delays sows seeds of discontent between BMCL and MRTA
- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, December 17, 2004

[...] The daily number of passengers: 140,000-150,000 passengers during weekdays and 100,000 passengers a day on weekends. Average revenue: 2.5 million baht a day--to become 4 million baht a day when the number of passenger reaches 200,000-210,000 a day [...]

[Yappofloyd]

The Nation on Saturday (18.12.04) quotes the Subway as carrying 130-140,000 passengers a day.

The Enforcer!

Anyone know daily pax loadings since introduction of discount fares on 7 Jan? Aside from the closures, has the daily ridership significantly risen as expected due to these cheaper fares?

It has seemed more packed the last couple of times I have caught.

[The Enforcer!]

Anyone know daily pax loadings since introduction of discount fares on 7 Jan? Aside from the closures, has the daily ridership significantly risen as expected due to these cheaper fares?

It has seemed more packed the last couple of times I have caught.
I read after the spring delay last week that numbers were close to 'pre-accident level.

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

It is closed to 150,000 based on discounted fare that will last until June 05.

By the way, Mr. 20% will extend the promotion as long as possible.

Mr. 20% (his new nickname from Pantip.com) is the Transport Minister......It is very official to call him that way rather than "Ai".

By the way, he is somewhat Mr. 25% now! Time changes people.

[Yappofloyd]

^ Thanks for this Khun Nekochan.

I thought that the trial period was only until end of March?

A Bangkok Post article dated 11/01/05 quoted Khun Prapas Jongsanguan(director of MRTA), as saying that he hoped the trial would increase commuter numbers by 40-50% from the 140,000 a day. If the current ridership is only 150K then that is only about a 7.5% increase!

So it looks as thought the MRTA (Govt.) will be compensating BMCL quite a bit as the agreement stipulated that MRTA will compensate BMCL 80% of any financial loss.

Previously, according to the Post (05/01/05) quoting BMCL president Khun Plew Trivisvavet, BMCL was earning 2.7 m baht per day from 140K passengers. He estimated a loss of 400K baht per day based on the expected increase of 40-50%. However, if it is only currently 150K per day then the compensation amount will be high!

Good outcome for BMCL & TRT but bad for thai tax payers!

[The Enforcer!]

^ Thanks for this Khun Nekochan.

I thought that the trial period was only until end of March?

A Bangkok Post article dated 11/01/05 quoted Khun Prapas Jongsanguan(director of MRTA), as saying that he hoped the trial would increase commuter numbers by 40-50% from the 140,000 a day. If the current ridership is only 150K then that is only about a 7.5% increase!

So it looks as thought the MRTA (Govt.) will be compensating BMCL quite a bit as the agreement stipulated that MRTA will compensate BMCL 80% of any financial loss.

Previously, according to the Post (05/01/05) quoting BMCL president Khun Plew Trivisvavet, BMCL was earning 2.7 m baht per day from 140K passengers. He estimated a loss of 400K baht per day based on the expected increase of 40-50%. However, if it is only currently 150K per day then the compensation amount will be high!

Good outcome for BMCL & TRT but bad for thai tax payers!
I think the Metro is in serious financial trouble and we will be looking at direct Govrnment intervention very soon.

The Enforcer!

[Hitesh]

people used to say that about the BTS when it first opened.
im sure revenue from advertising and retail area rentals will help their finances. if and when theyre allowed to.

[Yappofloyd]

This article today doesn't enlighten us at all on the current number of pax. However, reading between the lines it suggests that the aim of a 50% boost in numbers (to about 200K) with trial cheap fares is far from being achieved, particularly after all the disruptions in Jan/Feb.

Cheap fares on subway may continue - Suriya to take it up with concessionaire AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK (Bangkok Post, 15/03/04)

The subway concessionaire will be asked to continue offering reduced fares for passengers on the Bangkok underground, to encourage more people to use it. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said yesterday he will put the proposal to Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL).

Passengers are currently paying 10 baht for the first three stations and 15 baht for longer journeys under a three-month promotional package introduced in Jan 7 after regular ticket prices ranging from 12-31 baht received a cool response from the public.

The trial period was supposed to end next month, but 10 days after the promotion began a crash between an empty train and a packed train at Cultural Centre station caused passenger numbers to fall again.

About 200 passengers were injured in the crash.

The main reason for cheaper fares is to raise the passenger volume of the 20km Hua Lamphong-Bang Sue line by 50% from 140,000 a day to relieve road traffic. ``The possibility of prolonging the low fare rate will have to be discussed with the operator,'' Mr Suriya said. ``The state wants the highest benefit for the general public , but in the meantime the fares must not affect the business of the operator.''

The minister said officials were collecting information on passenger numbers in preparation for the talks.

Under the trial fare discount agreement with BMCL, the state promises to compensate BMCL for 80% of lost income. The rest will be deducted from the share of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, the subway project's owner.

During its initial test-run in last April the subway carried an average 200,000 passengers on weekdays and 50,000 more on weekends. When regular fares were introduced in August, ridership fell to 140,000.

Mr Suriya's plan to push for cheaper fares fcame one day after he said he would extend Don Muang Tollway's concession if it continued to charge a reduced 20 baht fee on the the tollway. The reduced-toll trial period is due to end on March 22.

[Yappofloyd]

SUBWAY Commuters trapped in train again AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK, BKK POst 22/03/05Mr Suriya said he would meet with Siemens executives this week to learn whether other countries experienced similar problems with their subway systems and, if so, what caused it. This information would be useful for future construction of subway lines worth about 500 billion baht, he said.

Mr Suriya said the number of subway passengers had increased to nearly 200,000 a day since the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) cut fares to 10 and 15 baht, but the latest problem might erode commuters' confidence. Well Khun Suriya is saying in the Post article today that it is 200K pax a day but I have a feeling that this figure is a bit rubbery as it is 50K more than the 150K figure Khun Nekochan advised and too similar to the traget figure of the trial period.

[Nekochan]

From the up to date MRTA's internal report, the number was close to 178,000 pass/day. Perhaps, it was the side effect of high fuel price.

They expected the number would reach 200,000 eventually in 2006.

Surprisingly, there were more passengers at Sirikij than Kampangphet on weekend. Was it caused by COMMART Fair?

[Yappofloyd]

Khun Nekochan, what MRTA report and where is it available? Also, it seems obvious that the figures Khun Suriya was stating on 21 March were in fact inflated. Pity no one in the press really follows these things in order to ensure that such inaccuracies can be addressed.

[Nekochan]

They have monthly report, presumbly with data from BMCL about monthly ridership and revenue. I just saw a photocopied of latest data (some pages only) for Feb and March 05.

I am not sure they allow us to download from MRTA's website..... I do not think so.

[Yappofloyd]

Anyone have any ridership figures now that the (pre-election) 'special fares' have ended and fares have increased to near the old levels?

[Yappofloyd]

A good increase in passengers in the last few months but still not quite over the 200K mark. 5 new trains will heap ease overcrowding but interesting to note that two trains will not be repaired until next year (one assumes both were involved in the accidents).

High oil fuels rise in subway travel, The Nation September 10, 2005

Bangkok Metro Plc, operator of the capital’s subway system, yesterday announced a sharp rise in passenger traffic prompted by skyrocketing petrol prices. The company will also be raising ticket prices from the current Bt12-Bt31 range to Bt14-Bt36 next month. Bangkok Metro managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said that this year, the firm had gauged a jump in passengers, from 160,000 trips per day at the start of the year to 190,000 today.

“Bangkokians today are very aware about high petrol prices and have changed their travel habits. Instead of driving, more now ride the Skytrain or subway,” he said.

Sombat expects subway usage to climb to 200,000 trips per day by the end of the year. He said Bangkok Metro would buy five new trains to serve more passengers on the 20-kilotmetre subway track. It currently operates 17 trains, while two others are being repaired and will re-enter service next year. “At full capacity, the subway can carry a million commuters a day,” said Sombat.

[ncr]

“Bangkokians today are very aware about high petrol prices and have changed their travel habits. Instead of driving, more now ride the Skytrain or subway,” he said. Sombat expects subway usage to climb to 200,000 trips per day by the end of the year. “At full capacity, the subway can carry a million commuters a day,” said Sombat.Pah, I cannot hear this superficial argumentation anymore. Like, you just have to convince people to switch to public transport; or they will be forced by traffic jams and rising oilprices.

All nice and well, but how do the single Subway Line and Skytrain help people living in Bangkapi, Thonburi and Samrong??? Do they have a damn choice?

Let me spell it out again, we need a (rail-based) mass transit N-E-T-W-O-R-K!

:( :rolleyes: :(

btw - One million??? On the trunk Blue Line???

[Yappofloyd]

Does anyone have the latest or any recent passenger numbers for the subway? How do the figures compare to late 2006?

Khun Wisarut perhaps?

[Wisarut]

Does anyone have the latest or any recent passenger numbers for the subway? How do the figures compare to late 2006?

Khun Wisarut perhaps?

190,000 passengers a day for year 2007 .. BMCL is expecting to break 200,000 passenger barrier in Year 2008 due to the openign of Metro Mall (Chatuchak Branch) by Feb 2008 and the connecting tunnel betwen Samyan station and Chamchuree Square of Chulalongkorn U. by March 2008.

Now, there is a construct for the via duct connecting Phaholyothin flyover with Metro Mall ...

[Yappofloyd]

Thansk for this Khun Wisarut, I figured that you would know.


Sombat expects subway usage to climb to 200,000 trips per day by the end of the year. The Nation September 10, 2005 “At full capacity, the subway can carry a million commuters a day,” said Sombat.

Interesting that although the daily average has had good steady growth over the last few years (by about 15-20k each year), it still has not passed the 200K level, nor even approached the initial 250K daily total that was expected by Bangkok Metro when they opened in 2004.

[Yappofloyd]

Managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said the delay in extending Bangkok's rail network stemmed from lower-than-expected passenger growth over the past three years. Gee........ really!!!

Subway to profit by 2011 Passenger numbers still well below target NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 21/01/08

The SET-listed subway operator Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL) expects to break even by 2011, even though this year it would likely fall well short of its original target of 300,000 daily passengers. Managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said the delay in extending Bangkok's rail network stemmed from lower-than-expected passenger growth over the past three years.

The subway, which runs from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue with a total distance of 20 kilometres, currently carries 195,000 passengers daily. BMCL hopes for 210,000 daily passengers by the end of the year.

''Despite the high oil prices, which started since last year, we have yet to see the phenomenon of a big number of Bangkok commuters switching from road to rail transport,'' Mr Sombat said.

''That's mainly because the current network is limited and there are not enough to take them from one place to another for their journey. If we have enough coverage of the network, they will absolutely opt to use the rail lines no matter whether petrol prices are cheap or high.''

If it reaches 210,000 daily passengers this year, Mr Sombat said BMCL would be able to generate enough revenue to cover operating costs but not the interest on its outstanding 11-billion-baht debt. After three years of operation, the company he accumulated losses of several billion baht, Mr Sombat said. He declined to offer details.

''It's not until we reach 300,000 daily passengers, which will hopefully happen in the next two to three years, that we would be able to make a profit from the operations,'' he said. BMCL and Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), which operates two Skytrain elevated rail lines, can carry a combined 600,000 passengers a day.

With an investment of 150 billion baht, the government plans to add five more rail routes in the capital to take cars off Bangkok's congested streets, improve air quality and cut oil import bills. Following years of delay, at least two of the five routes are targeted to start construction this year: the Blue Line from Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae and the Purple Line from Bang Sue to Tha Phra.

BMCL, with a 25-year concession on the subway, is favoured by transport officials to operate the new routes, possibly through a joint venture with the state-owned Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA). Mr Sombat said BMCL was ready for any option for the new lines. He said the company already had facilities, including depots and control rooms for the subway, that could save investment cots for developing new routes.

BMCL also has prepared 1.5 billion baht to buy new trains to accommodate more passengers from existing routes and possible new lines. ''The extended routes would bring more passengers to the existing network, enabling us to achieve our ridership target more easily,'' he said. ''The projects are feasible in terms of economic benefits. Investors would be ready to take part and it would not be difficult to mobilise funds.''

Mr Sombat said BMCL and BTS already signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint-ticketing system for the elevated and underground trains to lure more passengers. Under the plan, a joint venture would handle ticket management, financial clearing and promotions. The single ticket is expected to be launched within this year. In the future it would cover other public transport systems, including the Airport Rail Link, he said.

To generate more revenue, Mr Sombat said BMCL planned to utilise more commercial areas at its 18 subway stations. So far, only the Sukhumvit and Phahon Yothin stations use commercial space out of nine stations with a combined space of 20,000 square metres, he said. The Chatuchak station would be opened for retailers this month, he added. Retail sales now account for only 5% of BMCL's total revenue, which was approximately one billion baht in 2006.

[Yappofloyd]

Subway operator expects loss to narrow BKK Post 7/03/2008

The subway operator Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL) says that more passengers, cost controls and a fare rise in July should help narrow its net loss by more than 10% this year. BMCL, which has run 120-billion-baht, 20-kilometre subway since July 2004, expected to join a bid for at least 50 km of a planned expansion of the city's mass transit system, managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana told Reuters. ''Things are better. Operating costs are under control and passengers are increasing,'' said Dr Sombat, 50. ''We are now ready to join more bids. Under our business assumption, we can manage more funds,'' the 17-year veteran of the construction business said. ''Just wait for the government's decision.''

Prime Minister Samak Sundravej has said he planned a 500-billion-baht expansion of the mass transit system expected to take three years, but has given no clear details of routes or timing. BMCL is 25% owned by state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority, 24.6% by contractor Ch. Karnchang and 11.9% by tollway operator Bangkok Expressway. ''It seems MRTA's confident to operate at least 50 kilometres of the new extension projects. Whatever is under MRTA's plan, we are keen on it,'' said Dr Sombat.


Only 6% of Bangkok's commuters use the mass transit system, far fewer than the 30% of Hong Kong and Singapore and Bangkok should add least 100 km to its current 43.5 km. ''With our limited 20-km operation, it's hard to make a net profit in the near term. To break even, we have to wait for the new extensions,'' Dr Sombat said. But the firm still expected to break even in 2011, he added.

BMCL expected revenues to grow at least 10% this year from the 1.45 billion baht it earned last year and expenses should drop 3%, Dr Sombat said. ''All that should push our net loss down more than 10%.'' His forecast was in line with that of three analysts polled by Reuters who expected a net loss of 1.2 billion baht this year, down 19% from last year's 1.48-billion-baht loss. Passengers should increase to 210,000 a day on weekdays, helped by the opening of new condominiums, offices and malls near its 18 subway stations, Dr Sombat said.

BMCL carries 190,000 to 200,000 passengers a day on weekdays, still far below its capacity of 320,000, and compared with about 450,000 on the elevated Skytrain operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System. Its revenues would also be lifted by a 5-7% fare increase in July if the cabinet approved it, Dr Sombat said. Last year, revenues rose only 3.35%.

BMCL, which has debt of about 10 billion baht, had no plan to invest more this year, Dr Sombat said, but was seeking to refinance debt to reduce interest expenses from the 934 million baht it paid last year. He gave no further details. BMCL shares have fallen 2.9% this year, outperforming a 5.6% fall of the transport and logistics subindex, but underperforming the 1.85% fall of the main index. The closed unchanged at 1.00 baht yesterday, in trade worth 4 million baht REUTERS

[Yappofloyd]

Oil-price shock good for train operators -Skytrain and subway passenger totals rising NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 12/05/08

Operators of Bangkok's elevated train and subway have enjoyed a significant rise in ridership in recent months as motorists have switched to mass-transit trains to avoid skyrocketing oil prices. Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), which operates the two elevated train lines in the capital, has seen weekday ridership rise from 400,000 daily as of last year to 430,000 last week, while weekend numbers have risen to about 300,000 a day from 250,000.

The number of people using the subway is also up, peaking at 196,000 daily in March from 184,000 in 2007, according to SET-listed Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), which runs the 20-km route. ''The increase has been substantial in the past two months, prompting us to believe that Bangkok commuters were switching from other modes of transport to use our service including those having their own cars,'' said Anat Arbhabhirama, an adviser to the BTSC board.


Middle-income office workers can no longer shoulder the rising cost of living and travel and food expenses now account for half of their salaries, he said. ''People have started to feel that transport is a burden so they use their cars less frequently and turn to mass-transit trains as a preferred option,'' added Mr Anat.

BMCL corporate relations director Chartchai Praditpong said subway ridership has been surging in line with rising fuel prices. ''Expensive oil prices are definately one of the reasons that more people use the subway,'' said Mr Chartchai. ''Despite school vacations when people tend to use transport less frequently, our ridership has yet to drop.''

The recent increase of passengers has prompted BMCL to believe that its ridership would remain on track to reach 200,000 to 220,000 this year. The subway operator has been granted approval to hike fares, now 15-39 baht per trip, to between 16 and 41 baht from next year. ''Despite the coming fare hike, we don't expect ridership to go down. Compared to the costly oil prices, using the subway is still a saver for consumers,'' Mr Chartchai said.

[Yappofloyd]

It seems that the subway pax numbers are static at 190 000 over the last 6 months compared to significant increases on the BTS side. BMCL seems to have dropped the Jan stated aim of 210K by the end of 2008 and now seems happy with meeting 200K by years end - a figure that one should note BMCL has been expecting to reach since 2005!

(And of course far below the 250K figure expected soon after opening in 2004) Delaying the price hile until Jan 09 will help a little but an extension of the line would of course make the big difference.

Taxi fare hike could help skytrain and subway operators NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 04/07/08
Operators of Bangkok's elevated train and subway are looking forward to increased ridership now that taxi fares have risen by an average of 12% per trip. The starting rate for taxis yesterday rose to 35 baht for the first kilometre instead of two kilometres before. The fares would then be increased to five baht per kilometre for the second to twelfth kilometres, 5.50 baht a kilometre for the 12th to 20th km, six baht a kilometre for the 20th to 40th km, 6.50 baht a kilometre for the 40th to 60th km, 7.50 baht a kilometre for the 60th to 80th km, and 8.50 baht a kilometre beyond that.

Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), which operates two elevated train lines in the capital, expects its ridership to increase as some Bangkok commuters shun taxis after the fare rises. Since the beginning of this year, high oil prices have encouraged motorists to stop using their cars and opt for BTS service, said Anat Arbhabhirama, an advisor to the BTS board of directors.

The skytrain's ridership now stands at 440,000 to 460,000 on weekdays, up from the average of 400,000 per day last year, and 370,000 on Saturday and up to 300,000 on Sunday, he said. ''Some people are travelling and shopping less often at this time. But for those who decide to make a trip, they are often choosing the BTS,'' Mr Anat said.

Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), the subway operator, said its passenger total could also rise from the current average of 190,000 daily. ''The taxi fare hike might help push our ridership up but probably not significantly because the current subway network does not cover all the areas Bangkok commuters want to travel to,'' said Chartchai Praditpong, corporate relations director of BMCL. ''So they choose taxis to go to places the subway does not reach.''

BMCL operates a 20-km line with fares from 15 to 39 baht. It received Transport Ministry approval to raise fares to a range of 16 to 40 baht from yesterday, but has delayed it until January. ''We think the current high oil prices mean consumers are not in a position to afford higher fares,'' Mr Chartchai said. BMCL's ridership is up 5% from last year and it believes it can reach a daily average of 200,000 by year-end, he added.