SPIDER WEB CARD SET FOR OCT 1 LAUNCH

>> Oct 1 will see the launch of common tickets for mass transit systems at selected stations and on some buses in Bangkok and surrounding areas, says the Office of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP).

The OTTPP has asked transport agencies joining the common ticket, known as the “spider web card”, to finish installing the system by Aug 30, said director Chaiwat Thongkamkoon.

The new tickets will be used for the BTS skytrain, the MRT Blue Line, the Purple Line subway service and Airport Rail Link (ARL) as well as city buses operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).

Mr Chaiwat said initially the common tickets will only be available on selected routes of the transit rail and public buses as installing the system at all stations and buses will take time.

He said the time available for fitting the necessary equipment at stations was limited. Technicians can only work during closing time between midnight and 4am.

In the initial stage, card readers will be ready for use at interchange points on the BTS and MRT routes, including Chatuchak and Sukhumvit stations as well as Phaya Thai station connecting to the ARL and Tao Poon station linking the Purple and Blue lines.

One to two dedicated entry lanes will be opened to spider web card holders. The tickets also can access some BMTA buses.

“So on Oct 1, the common tickets will not be fully operational, covering about 25% of transport services,” he said.

The office expects the system will be up and running at all stations and on buses from March next year when the authorities can assess the spider web card ridership and revenue the system generates before considering whether to ask electric train operators to offer discounts for cardholders, according to Mr Chaiwat.