Skytrain traffic up 2.6% while BTS looks to expansion

Keeree Kanjanapas, CEO of Bangkok Mass Transit System, said yesterday that from the opening in December 1999 to last November 20, the overhead electric railway has accommodated 972,034,295 trips, with 424,369 trips on an average working day.

This year, new 30Day and SKY SmartPass tickets were introduced, accounting for most of the increase in sales.

In particular, sales of SKY SmartPasses rose from 12.9 per cent in 2006 to 17.9 per cent this year, due to a series of promotions, such as discounts of Bt2Bt4 per trip and 20 per cent on fares from June to August.

"In response to customer demands for convenience and safety, we have improved and developed more facilities in the BTS system, while still maintaining a reasonable ticket price," Keeree said.

"Over the past year, the company has refurbished BTS stations and overhauled trains after more than 1 million kilometres in service. Major equipment maintenance started in 2006 and is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. Manufacturing of 12 new trains is progressing, with the first train expected to be in service at the end of next year and all remaining trains delivered in 2010. Signalling improvement is also progressing well and is due to be finished on schedule in the middle of 2010," he said.

Having successfully exited financial rehabilitation as planned on October 29, the company is ready to invest and operate other masstransit systems, with common ticket integration, he said.

The company also plans to expand investment in the realestate business along the Skytrain routes. All these projects will enable the company to maintain a strong financial position, assuring future prosperity.

The company will be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand as soon as possible, according to the terms of its concession, which requires public partnership.

However, timing will depend on the local and world economic situations, he added.