Card reader machines will be installed at 121 bus terminals nationwide operated by Transport Co Ltd for passengers holding state welfare cards distributed to low-income earners.
State-run Transport Co president Jirasak Yaovatsakul yesterday said Electronic Data Capture (EDC) machines to read the welfare cards were set up by Krungthai Bank at the bus terminals, including three located in Bangkok.
The three are the Bangkok bus terminal (Mor Chit 2) in Chatuchak district, Ekamai bus terminal, and the southern bus terminal, known as Sai Tai Mai, on Boromratchonnanee Road in Taling Chan district.
Mr Jirasak said passengers are required to swipe their welfare cards in the machines to obtain inter-provincial bus tickets, deducted from the credit of 500 baht given them per month in the card. If the fares exceed 500 baht a month, the card-holder has to pay the rest themselves.
Only card-holders are eligible to receive the bus tickets under the welfare scheme.
The card can be used to buy the bus tickets on all routes operated by the company. It cannot be refunded although the travel date can be changed in compliance with the company's regulations.
The company noted that card-holders booking trips on long-haul routes, particularly to the southern provinces, have to pay extra out of their own pocket as a one-way ticket on those routes costs more than 500 baht.
For example, card-holders have to pay an additional fare of 81 baht for the Bangkok to Phuket route and 143 more for Bangkok to Hat Yai district in Songkhla.
Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand announced the cabinet has agreed to extend free rides on third-class trains for all until the end of next month. After that, they will be limited to those with welfare cards.
Card-holders can get free rides on city buses, SRT trains, electric trains and ferries.
