The BTS Skytrain will increase its fares starting on Oct 1, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) announced yesterday. 

The operators of the BTS will raise fares from B15-42 to B16-44 along both the Sukhumvit (Mo Chit-On Nut) and Silom (National Stadium-Bang Wa) lines.

The price hike does not apply to BMA extension stations from On Nut and Saphan Taksin onwards. For the rest of us, though, that means an increase in individual journeys of B1-3 from next month. 

The new rates will be B16, B23, B26, B30, B33, B37 and B40 for one to seven stations, respectively, and B44 for eight stations and up.

Commuters using a 30-day pass are not exempt, either, and will pay B1 extra per trip. However, those using the top-up Rabbit card willl enjoy the old prices for another six months. 

Adult card holders will now pay B465/15 trips, B725/25 trips, B1,080/40 trips and B1,300/50 trips, while the new student rates are B360/15 trips, B550/25 trips, B800/40 trips and B950/50 trips, 

The BTSC says the price hike is a result of rising operation costs and is the first of its kind in four years, despite the concession allowing them to do so every 18 months.

Today, social media is awash with complaints that BTS service standards already don't match prices, which in turn don't match local salaries.

Online commentators have particularly pointed to inadequate access for the disabled, perpetually "out-of-order" elevators, poor security and the continuing absence of the Mangmoom single-ticket transport system—for more, read our story on things the BTS should have done by now.