High fares for taxis, subway approved

Under pressure from drivers complaining of rising costs, the Transport Ministry has given a green light to increasing taxi fares.

In a session that also saw approval for higher subway prices, the ministry approved the first raise for taxi drivers in 22 years, which is expected to increase fares between 8 to 11 percent to offset the higher costs of living and energy prices.

“It’s been around 22 years since the taxi fare was adjusted, Minister Prajin Juntong said Saturday. The new fare will be considered based on the costs of living and the drivers’ net cost in order to help them earn more than a THB300 daily-profit.

For subway strap-hangers, a ticket to ride will increase by THB1 or 2 starting Jan. 1. Normally a biannually scheduled bump, a fare increase for the MRT subway system had been postponed earlier this year for the sake of “returning happiness by the junta. So be sure to top off that coin jar before New Years Day.

Coconuts

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