Buses and trains will be free for a week to combat pollution in Bangkok

Due to the high levels of PM2.5, the government has declared that buses and trains will be free for a week starting tomorrow in an effort to reduce pollution in Bangkok.

Seasoned Bangkokians are no longer surprised that the PM2.5 levels are at a drastic high yet again. We do this every new year. What is delightfully surprising is the fact that for the first time in a long time, a logical solution is being implemented to at least try and lessen carbon emissions city-wide. It’s been announced that starting tomorrow Saturday, January 25, buses and trains will be free for all commuters to use to try and encourage the use of public transportation.

[Hero image: Niko Lewman/Unsplash]

Free fares on buses and trains in Bangkok starting tomorrow

Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit says that the move was directed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The past few weeks have seen the PM 2.5 levels in the city rise to unhealthy levels, so much so that the Ministry of Public Health is encouraging people to work from home. According to Thai Enquirer, the smog will last until March.

From January 25 to January 31, both above and underground trains, that means the BTS and MRT, will be free.  Private operators will be given THB 140 million baht in compensation taken from the national budget as per a report by The Nation. On top of that, there will be checkpoints in certain parts of the city to check vehicles and their emissions.

It’s been a while since steps were taken to try and combat the PM 2.5 that returns every new year. Well, at least steps that made sense.The government’s solution to spray water into the air that one time was met with widespread derision. Making some of the public transportation free for a week definitely won’t solve PM 2.5 but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Whether it will have a lasting effect, if any, remains to be seen.