COST OF LIVING RELIEF PACKAGE
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority staff attach a sign reading ``Free bus for the people'' to the side of a bus. |
The government's six-month package of freebies and discounts designed to ease the financial burden on cash-strapped residents begins today. The programme, covering public transport and utilities, is a counter-measure to the rising cost of living, largely tied to the increasing price of fuel.
The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) is offering free rides on 800 ordinary buses plying 73 routes.
The free buses will be clearly marked with special signs. The free services and pay-for services will arrive alternately at bus stops.
Speaking at a bus terminal in Bang Khen yesterday, Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said the free services should help commuters save about 400 to 500 baht a month.
Anticipating a high demand for the free seats, BMTA director Pinet Puapatanakul encouraged better-paid commuters to board normal buses, leaving free seats to those most in need.
The free services will cost the government 1.22 billion baht.
Chatchai Chaiwiset, president of the Private Bus Operators' Association, complained that the free service would hurt private operators. They could lose at least 600 million baht in ticket sales during the six-month period. He said the association will seek compensation from the state.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will also offer free third-class seats on 164 trains covering select routes.
The free rides will be available every day from today until January on third-class carriages of non-express trains, covering most routes nationwide.
SRT deputy governor Thawil Samnakhon said passengers can simply board the free services, which will be clearly marked, without first picking up tickets. He expects the number of train passengers to rise by 15% to 20%, especially on weekends.
Free electricity is also being offered to households which use up to 80 units a month. Electricity bills are halved for those using 81-150 units per month.
And free tap water will be offered to households which use up to 50 cubic metres of water per month.
Apartment tenants are also eligible for the subsidy if their monthly rent is not over 3,000 baht, but their landlords must register with power and water authorities by Aug 15. Interior permanent secretary Pongpayome Vasaputi said the electricity and water subsidy would cost the state about 16 billion baht
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