An integrated ticketing system for travel on BTS trains and on expressways is expected to be launched in the Bangkok area in August next year, and will later be expanded to other transport systems, according to the Transport Ministry.
Phadet Praditphet, acting director of the Common Ticketing Office of the ministry, said on Tuesday that a central clearing house for common tickets would be designed in the first half of this year. Its construction and installation of equipment was planned from August this year to February next year, with tests scheduled from March to August next year.
BSV Group is developing the clearing house. The group comprises Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, which operates BTS trains, Smart Traffic Co and Vix Mobility Co.
Mr Phadet said common tickets would cover travel on BTS skytrains and on expressways of the Expressway Authority of Thailand from August 2016, and afterwards it would be expanded to subways, the Airport Rail Link and intercity motorways.
Permanent secretary for transport Soithip Trisuddhi said all new electric railways would be compatible with the common ticketing system, and passenger buses of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and passenger boats on the Chao Phraya River would be included.
A committee, to be chaired by the transport minister, would be set up to supervise the common ticketing system, and a public-private company would be formed to operate the system and the clearing house.
The government would own up to 50% of the company, she said.