The development of a common ticketing management system for Bangkok’s public transport is expected to take shape this year and be operational by 2015.
The system is being considered as a solution to hassles faced by city commuters as it would allow them to switch between buses, boats and trains by using a single ticket.
Soithip Traisut, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP), said the Transport Ministry was preparing a framework on the use of Asian Development Bank loans to develop the system.
The ministry would seek a budget of US$10 million (307.9 million baht) for the development and management of the system and another budget of $13 million for the development of a central clearing house.
Mrs Soithip said the central clearing house was expected to be set up before 2015 when the Bang Sue-Bang Yai mass transit route becomes operational.
She said the OTTPP would set up an agency to take charge of the ticketing system. It will comprise representatives from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, State Railway of Thailand and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.
She said the agency’s operations during the first four years would be funded by the OTTPP and then by a government subsidy.
Mrs Soithip said the single ticketing system would integrate all Bangkok mass transit routes. “It can be used with BTS, MRT, BRT, airport rail link, expressway and motorway networks, public bus and passenger boat services. It will keep them hassle-free with one ticket. The system is expected to be in use in 2015.”
A consultant firm to study details of the system will be selected within three months.
The selection will be done by the ministry’s committee on management of the common ticketing system chaired by acting permanent secretary for transport Silpachai Jarukasemrat. “A consultant firm is likely to be picked within three months, and within this year we’ll see a clearer picture of how to manage the common ticketing system,” she said.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/280516/one-ticket-system-for-bts-and-mrt-expected-by-2015
