The cashless service on the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority's (BMTA) bus route 510 has received a good response from passengers, with 4,000 of them paying fares via cashless means on Tuesday.
Normally, the route handles about 10,000 passengers a day on 38 buses, according to acting BMTA director, Prayoon Choygeo, who added that those wishing to still pay by cash can still do so for the time being.
The new payment methods include using a card, which can be topped up via mobile banking, ATMs and at Krungthai Bank counters.
Some passengers can opt to pay with debit or credit cards, QR code payment or use the government's welfare cards.
However, all passengers will be encouraged to use cashless methods eventually, he said.
The two-month trial period will be assessed before the cashless system is extended to other bus routes, he said.
"Card systems are used globally. Sooner or later, Thailand must use it. I'd like people to understand this and change their behaviour and don't just stick to using cash," Mr Prayoon said.
"New technology can be more convenient such as reducing the time it takes giving change, reducing costs, and end the need to pay separate fares on other modes of transport with a single-card public transport system," he said.
The BMTA top-up cards are on sale on No.510 buses and at four major bus stops: outside the Major Rangsit shopping mall, Don Mueang International Airport, Victory Monument on Phahon Yothin Road and below Chatuchak BTS station.
Tatchanee Puangrod, 50, said the new payment system was no problem as she already uses a monthly card to pay for fares. She thinks it is more convenient.