City bus fare hikes are likely to be approved after New Year, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith has said, as 200 bus operators and staff gathered at the ministry on Monday to call for increases.
Speaking after a meeting with the operators, Mr Arkhom said the ministry has told the Commission for the Management of Land Traffic, attached to the Department of Land Transport, to consider the proposed fare hikes.
The commission was asked to approve the new fares in the middle of next month, but how much the fares would be raised will depend on its deliberations, he said.
Bus operators say the flat-rate fare for non-air conditioned buses should be raised from nine to 12 baht.
The fare for air conditioned buses should be increased to 15 baht, up from 13 baht at present with a two-baht hike for each distance range, they said.
The minister said the commission was told to consider the proposal taking into account the actual cost of operations.
He said if the commission decides to give the green light to the fare hikes, the new rates would take effect after New Year to spare passengers being affected during the holidays.
Pattarawadee Klomjaroon, of the Passenger Bus Operators Association, said she was partly satisfied with the talks as the ministry has assigned the commission to consider the proposal on Dec 15.
She said improvements to bus service quality would be made quickly once the government gives the nod to the fare increases.
"If the government raises the fares, we are ready to improve services and take better care of staff," said Ms Pattarawadee.
Withaya Premjit, representing private bus operators, said better transport quality would be guaranteed if fare hikes are approved within a year.