Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited, or BEM, said ridership on the MRT Blue Line in August 2026 is trending higher compared with July 2026, when average weekday ridership was around 520,000 to 580,000 trips per day. This supports continued growth in third-quarter 2026 operating results compared with the second quarter of 2026, while expressway traffic volumes are expected to remain stable. The company is ready to cooperate with government policy, especially the project to reduce the cost of living by capping public electric train fares on all lines at 14 to 45 baht, which is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and is expected to help boost ridership. BEM is also in the process of taking delivery of 21 additional Blue Line trains from mid-2027 to test systems and prepare for the opening of the Orange Line between Thailand Cultural Centre and Min Buri, with trial service expected to begin in late 2027 and full service in 2028. The additional trains will increase service frequency and reduce headways to about two minutes during peak hours. Current fares are 17 to 45 baht. The opening of the Orange Line will add commercial space, especially at Ramkhamhaeng, Hua Mak, and Ramkhamhaeng 12 stations, which are designed to support events, concerts, and food and retail markets. The company also plans to expand digital advertising space inside and outside stations to increase long-term revenue. BEM currently pays compensation to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, or MRTA, for the Blue Line project of about 5 to 6 billion baht per year, with payments ending in 2029. This will improve cash flow and give the company room to invest in new projects, repay debt, and consider future dividend payments. For the expressway business, BEM will benefit from a toll increase on the Si Rat–Outer Ring Road Expressway, or SOE, on 15 December 2026 under concession terms that allow adjustments every five years. Four-wheel vehicles will rise from 65 baht to 80 baht, six-to-ten-wheel vehicles from 105 baht to 130 baht, and vehicles with more than ten wheels from 150 baht to 185 baht. In addition, the company is waiting for the outcome of its proposal for the M92 expressway project submitted to the Department of Highways, with clarity expected within about three months. BEM is also monitoring opportunities to invest in new projects that connect to its existing network to support long-term growth. On its financial position, BEM has begun receiving the first instalment of civil works payments for the western Orange Line section of about 20 billion baht under the contract terms. Its current debt structure is about 57 percent fixed-rate and 43 percent floating-rate, giving the company flexibility in managing financial costs.
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company LimitedMRT ridership accelerating and fare cap expected to boost ridership, supporting Q3 growth.
