Pink Line Ridership Plummets by 68% on First Day of Fare Collection
Ride numbers decrease drastically on inaugural commercial run for Pink Line by 68%
Things took a diving turn for the extended Pink Line on its first day of fare collection! The Department of Rail Transport announced that there was a whopping 68% drop in ridership on June 17 - and oh boy, did it send waves!
Before the cash was due, the extended line at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi saw an average of 7,772 passengers a day during the free test-run period from May 20 to June 16. But, once they started charging, the number of passengers dropped to a mere 2,168 - quite the plunge, huh?
The test-run period claimed over 200,000 passengers in total, with an average of 6,719 during weekdays and a bump to 9,668 on weekends. Interestingly, the highest number of passengers was recorded on May 31, with 23,159, while the lowest was on June 3, with just 1,650.
But wait, what about the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia 2025 event that took place from May 27 to 31 at Muang Thong Thani? You'd think the event would boost numbers, but nope, the average was still 16,669 per day.
So, why the steep drop when fares were introduced? When stuff like this happens, money talks - literally! It seems folks were riding for free, but weren't too keen on transforming their commute into a cash-splashing affair.
However, the total ridership for the entire Pink Line system only dropped by 3.6%. Perhaps some folks stuck around for the ride!
So you know, there are a few things brewing in the political scene. The Pheu Thai government's feeling the heat, as they navigate political turmoil and military concerns. Plus, a Deputy Defence Minister’s barking for unity to safeguard Thailand's sovereignty after a leaked audio clip. The Democrat Party's sticking with the coalition but revising ties with Cambodia, and CEOs are pushing for a resignation from Paetongtarn as the political crisis unfolds and economic stability gets shaky.
Sources:
- The number of passengers on the extended Pink Line dropped by 68% on the first day of fare collection primarily because previously the service was fare-free, and implementing fares caused a significant drop in ridership. Passengers who had been using the Pink Line extension without charge likely reduced or stopped their trips once they were required to pay. This steep decline reflects sensitivity to the new cost imposed on what had been free transit service. Source
- The drop in Pink Line ridership on the first day of fare collection suggests that many passengers were attracted by the free service and may not be willing to pay for transportation.
- The decline in ridership on the extended Pink Line could have a ripple effect on the local business and economy, as fewer passengers would spend money during their commute.
- The political turmoil and military concerns facing the Pheu Thai government may impact the broader economy, as business leaders and investors may be hesitant to invest in uncertain political environments.
- The call for unity by a Deputy Defence Minister to safeguard Thailand's sovereignty highlights the importance of political stability for maintaining the country's economic growth and public-transit systems.
