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Published on November 23, 2007

The single-ticket venture is expected to be implemented within six months, and it will be extended to cover other public transport systems including the Airport Rail Link.

Keeree Kanjanapas, CEO of BTS, said that more details of the joint venture remain to be discussed, but it has been initially agreed that the unit would handle ticket management, financial clearing and public relations to lure more commuters.

Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding for the single ticket yesterday with the State Railway of Thailand and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, which are in charge of the development of new train lines. Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen, who chaired the ceremony, said the government would ensure fair pricing for all parties.

He said that it is necessary for the government to support the single-ticket system, conduct a study on the

costs involved, and extend the ticket coverage to other systems for higher efficiency.

Commuters make 400,000 daily trips on the BTS which charges Bt15 to Bt40, while BMCL's subway services 180,000 to 200,000 trips a day with fares of Bt14 to Bt38. Using both routes, a commuter is charged twice. Under the single ticket system, Theera said, commuters will be charged in relation to the distance. Both companies must work out how much commuters should be charged according to the number of stations they travel.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation