Politics
Silom Council Approves 2026 Transport Fare Adjustment, Cutting Bus Costs for Seniors and Students
Residents using public buses in Silom will pay 15 percent less from August, with the reduction funded by new charges on private vehicles entering the central business district.
How we reported this
The Silom City Council voted 7-4 on 7 July to pass the 2026 Local Transport Fare Adjustment. The measure lowers bus fares by 15 percent for seniors aged 65 and over and for students holding valid school or university identification. Revenue to cover the reduction will come from a new congestion charge applied to private vehicles entering the central business district during weekday peak hours.
Why the vote took place now
The adjustment follows the release of the city’s mid-year budget review, which showed transport operating costs rising by 8 percent compared with the same period in 2025. Council documents state that the review identified a shortfall of 12 million local currency units needed to maintain existing service levels without drawing from general reserves. The vote therefore reallocates costs rather than increasing overall spending.
Daily bus users who qualify for the reduced fares stand to save approximately 45 local currency units per month on a standard commute of 20 trips. Private vehicle owners who enter the business district five days a week will pay an estimated 300 local currency units monthly under the new charge schedule. Residents living outside the charged zone but who drive into the district for work or errands will also face the fee.
Budget figures and implementation timeline
City budget papers list the congestion charge revenue target at 14.2 million local currency units for the 2026-2027 financial year. Of that amount, 12 million units are earmarked for the fare subsidy, with the balance allocated to signal upgrades at three intersections along Silom Road. The changes are scheduled to begin on 1 August, with enforcement cameras already installed at the district boundary.
Further public consultation sessions on the exact hours of the congestion charge will be held on 15 and 22 July at the Silom Community Centre. The legislation requires the council to review the charge rate after six months and report findings to residents at the December council meeting.