The operator of the BTS skytrain network will “eventually be pressured” into joining the common ticketing system when all modes of transport adopt the single-card scheme, Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn said.
He commented on the firm’s undecided status during a press unveiling of the cards set to be used in the system, called “Mangmoom” (Spider) cards.
“It’s a matter of peer pressure from other transport modes, concerning whether the BTS will join the system or not,” Mr Pailin said. “Those who continue to use a different ticketing system are bound to face difficulties in the future.
“In other countries such as Japan, a single card is all you need to get by. In the end, public convenience will be the deciding factor,” he added.
The Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), under BTS Group Holdings Plc, currently operates the main Sukhumvit line from Mor Chit to Samrong in Samut Prakan and the Silom line from National Stadium to Bang Wa.
The firm operates the skytrain network under concessions from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Transport authorities claim this has made it difficult for negotiations to be held with the BTSC, since it is out of the Transport Ministry’s jurisdiction.
BTSG chairman Keeree Kanjanapas said in December the government should provide concessions for the firm to ensure fares do not rise under the common ticketing system as the BTS has different entrance fees than other government-owned train lines.
Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said yesterday negotiations for a “common fare” would be discussed “at a later time”, saying a single-card system must be established first.
He said all new electric train line networks — including those planned or already under construction — must join the common ticketing system. He said the stipulation is included in all new terms of reference for such projects.
Construction contracts for the planned Pink and Yellow Line monorails, owned by the MRTA, were earlier won by a three-firm joint venture — one of the companies being BTSG. Both networks are set to use the common ticketing system.
Starting this Saturday, around 200,000 Mangmoom cards will be available for Thai citizens at all MRT Purple Line stations.
And 900 cards will be up for grabs at a public unveiling on Friday. Each one will have a prepaid 50-baht deposit fee. Interested parties must present a valid national identification card to staff.
The Mangmoom cards will initially link the MRT Blue and Purple Lines. According to the Ministry, state welfare card-holders will be able to access both train lines by next month.
