Payment Integration:City Pass

[GWR]

Check out the last line. Is it going to be like one of those weird hinged bankcards that one Thai bank advertised last year? ;) :

30 March 2007 BMA pushes for BTS-MRTA joint card this year

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will push for BTS-MRTA joint card before year end.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) discloses the progress of the BTS-MRTA joint card. He says BMA and BTS executives will expedite to discuss with MRTA executives and Transport Ministry to manage the project. He says the joint card will provide more convenience to passengers.

The jointed card will be also developed to use with Bangkok BRT in the future.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255003300006&news_headline=BMA

[The Enforcer!]

Check out the last line. Is it going to be like one of those weird hinged bankcards that one Thai bank advertised last year?
I can just imagine a 'Bendi-Card' ... a bit like a Bendi-Bus, except this is too big for your wallet.

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

Mass-transit management committee mulled for Bangkok

The Transport Ministry will propose a plan to establish a mass-transit management committee for Bangkok and the surrounding area to the Cabinet next week.

Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) director Maitree Srinarawat said the key to operating the country's mass-transit electric trains efficiently was establishing a management body to organise the fully integrated multitransport system.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30037592

[The Enforcer!]

This is good news, if indeed it can be brought about.

A Bangkok Regional Transport Authority (or whatever) should be brought about to coordinate underground, skytrain, SRT commutter, buses and ferries within Greater Bangkok (i.e. with surrounding provinces).

If one body is setting services levels and fares, together with operating subsidies (if any) then we should be able to get an Oyster/Octopus/G-Card/Touch'n'Go/EZ Link system working for Bangkok.

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

09 September 2007
BMA introduces tickets valid for electric trains and rapid transit buses

Tickets which can be used on the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) trains and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses are introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to motivate people to use public transportation instead of personal vehicles.

Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Panit Wikiset (พนิช วิกิตเศรษฐ์), reveals that the BTS-BRT tickets are similar to Korea’s “D” cards. BMA has discussed the matter with mass transit operators, including BTS, Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). However, they have yet decided who will be responsible for expenses during the first phase of the ticket project.

Moreover, Mr Panit said the tickets valid for both BTA and BRT will be launched at the end of next year after BRT buses have operated. As for BMTA, it has to install ticketing machines first before joining the ticket project.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255009090002

[GWR]

EDITORIAL
Make transit easy for commuters
BMA must push through plans to link up transportation systems via joint ticketing and revenue sharing
Published on October 7, 2007

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has offered to broker a deal to get operators of rail-based mass-transit systems to enter into joint-ticketing and revenue-sharing arrangements that would enable commuters to switch between different modes of transportation with greater convenience. The initiative, which would enable passengers to enjoy seamless service combining both above-ground public transportation and the city's subway to get to their destinations, is long overdue. Previous attempts fell through because of disagreements on how to share revenue among operators. Revenue-sharing is complicated by the fact that not only are the operating costs of the systems so vastly different, but some of the operators, such as Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), also have a huge debt burden, which contributes to the difficulty in negotiating the deal.

BTS, the operator of the Skytrain, is a private company that invested in the construction of its own elevated rail system, which covers 55 kilometres on two lines. The company has just completed a business-rehabilitation process and found new strategic partners. BTS continues to be weighed down by huge debts that were the result of the devaluation of the baht in the 1997 financial crisis.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), a state enterprise, is in the process of expanding its current 20-km-long underground line to almost 300km over the next several years. The MRTA invested in the construction of the underground tunnels with taxpayers' money, while the private consortium that invested in the installation of the rail system was granted the concession to operate it.

It is obvious that different cost structures will continue to be a sticking point that will prevent any move toward joint-ticketing and cost-sharing arrangements. That is unless, of course, the BMA comes up with some truly brilliant ideas based on a careful analysis that takes into account differences in cost structures that all parties find satisfactory.

The Bangkok city government, which has invested in the construction of short extensions to existing Skytrain lines and a rapid-bus system, has just started negotiating with BTS on how to share revenue, a process that is expected to take more than a year to complete. Another reason the BMA is anxious to get the idea moving is that it also plans to operate a Bus Rapid Transit system, which requires low start-up capital as it will run exclusively in bus lanes and can be linked to rail-based systems.

The Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office has been trying for some time to convince operators of rail-based and bus transportation systems to agree to a joint-ticketing and revenue-sharing scheme, but to no avail.

In taking the lead in the negotiations among transport service providers, the BMA appears to be more ambitious. Bangkok city government officials stated that a proposed draft memorandum of understanding that addresses the concerns of all concerned parties must be drawn up, to be followed by trial runs.

All parties involved will be asked to experiment with different rates of revenue sharing during the trial period so that they can come up with some idea of what would constitute a fair division of revenue, which can then be used as a basis for further negotiations.

The central government may have a role to play in fostering creative public-private partnerships and innovative programmes with the ultimate objective of improving passengers' mobility and convenience in their use of different modes of transportation.

Operators of transport services must be persuaded that everyone will gain by working together to provide seamless connections at all stages of a passenger's trip: from home to a transit station, the use of the interconnected lines and the final leg of the journey from the transit station to the destination.

Operators may be forced to collect lower fares per passenger due to revenue-sharing, but all of them can expect many more passengers who may switch from personal vehicles and other modes of transport as a result of the greater convenience and speed of the alternate choices.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/07/opinion/opinion_30051583.php

[GWR]

Published on October 25, 2007
Transport-sector officials say political-party promises of Bt15 flat fares for all electric train routes are impossible

They said the promises indicated a government subsidy that would be an added financial burden on the taxpayer.

Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen said yesterday on the sidelines of a transport seminar that political-party promises to improve mass transit through the development of more subway routes were favourable.

However, he said they needed to take into account operating costs before quoting low fares. If the government has to absorb costs it will damage the economy, he added.

Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office director-general Maitree Srinarawat said a Bt15 fare was impossible because operating costs were Bt18.

"The British government once fixed a low fare regardless of distance and it ended up shouldering huge debt. And, it incurred safety problems because low fares drew large numbers of commuters and led to thefts and robbery," Maitree said.

All seven political parties which revealed economic policies to the National Economic and Social Advisory Council last week promised to proceed with electric-rail development to ease traffic problems. Most quoted a flat fare of Bt15.

The Bt15 fare was first proposed in 2006 when Suriya Jungrungreangkit was transport minister. He proposed single-price tickets for existing and new routes.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said yesterday the sustainability of transport development required a new mindset from all agencies.

While some legal obstacles must be cleared, agencies need to be innovative in introducing new projects quickly. He said a long-term plan was necessary and should not be amended by successive governments.

In addition, the Transport Ministry needs cooperation from parties like the Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau and National Economic and Social Development Board.

The Thai Rak Thai Party was the first to use mass-transit development as a key economic policy to win votes in the 2005 election.

Once is became the government, it made amendments to the plan by adding routes and changing others.

The Surayud government cut the number of routes from 10 to five with total spending of Bt165 billion.

It seems bidding for just the Purple and Red lines will go ahead during the term of this government.

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/25/national/national_30053666.php

[GWR]

Joint BTS-subway ticket to be in use in 6 months

(BangkokPost.com) – Commuters in Bangkok could soon be using the BTS-subway ticket within the next six months, according to Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen.

The service, if approved, will allow passengers to travel on both forms of public transportation systems using just one ticket.

Representatives of the BTS skytrain, the Bangkok Mass Transit System and subway operator, Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL) both signed a memorandum of understanding on the new project with Transport Ministry officials and other related authorities as witnesses.

Both parties will set up a company to oversee the smooth operation of the new ticketing system. Adm Theera expressed confidence that the “one ticket system” will be up-and-running within the next 6 months.

“We are hoping to extend this project so that the ticket may also be used on airport train links, with buses operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).”

Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=123828

[Yappofloyd]

Inching closer to reality...

Single ticketing plan moves step closer AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 24/01/08

Bangkok's elevated train and subway operators plan to integrate their ticketing system this year and then cut fares to encourage more commuters to use the service. Executives of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), which operates the elevated railway, and Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), which runs the subway, signed an agreement yesterday to integrate their ticketing systems.

According to BTS chief adviser Anat Arbhabhirama, the companies will make their old tickets compatible with each other's systems in the next six months. In the next two years, they will introduce a common ticketing system that can later expand to cover other modes of transport, including expressways, passenger buses, boats and shops. Key to the integration is creation of a clearing house by both electric train operators to handle revenue-sharing.

The companies plan to hire a consultant next month to study the integration process. BTS chief executive officer Keeree Kanjanapas said that once a common ticketing system is in place, both operators will find ways to cut fares to attract more commuters.

Without fare cuts being offered, he said, few commuters would turn to electric trains because there were other kinds of affordable transport available. He expected the convenience of a common ticketing system would encourage more commuters to use electric trains.

However, BMCL managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said yesterday that the subway would raise its fares from 15-39 baht to 16-40 baht from July 3 this year. The increase was in line with its contract which allows the firm to raise fares every two years. Prapat Chongsanguan, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority which owns the subway concession, said extended railway networks would make the system more attractive, not a common ticketing system.

Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has cut its rapid-train fees for people travelling less than 300 kilometres. The cut is to help offset higher consumer prices resulting from rising fuel costs. The fee cut will take effect on Feb 1. The fare for a trip of up to 50km will be halved to 20 baht. Those travelling up to 150km will pay 30 baht and up to 300km, 50 baht. Trips within these ranges include services between Bangkok and Lop Buri, Kaeng Khoi and Ratchaburi. The fare for travel distances of over 300km will stay at 110 baht.

[Wisarut]

Inching closer to reality...

Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has cut its rapid-train fees for people travelling less than 300 kilometres. The cut is to help offset higher consumer prices resulting from rising fuel costs. The fee cut will take effect on Feb 1. The fare for a trip of up to 50km will be halved to 20 baht. Those travelling up to 150km will pay 30 baht and up to 300km, 50 baht. Trips within these ranges include services between Bangkok and Lop Buri, Kaeng Khoi and Ratchaburi. The fare for travel distances of over 300km will stay at 110 baht.

Well, the new rate for ticket when takign standee seats on Express & rapid
to BKK Suburb can be listed as follows

1.1. BKK - Donmuang -> 20 Baht
1.2. BKK - Salaya -> 20 Baht

2.1. BKK - Chiang Rak -> 30 Baht
2.2. BKK - Bang Pa In -> 30 Baht
2.3. BKK - Ayutthaya -> 30 Baht

3.1. BKK - Ban Phachi -> 40 Baht
3.2. BKK - Nakhon Pathom -> 40 Baht

4.1 BKK - Lopburi -> 50 Baht
4.2 BKK - Kaeng Khoi -> 50 Baht
4.3 BKK - Rajburi -> 50 Baht

[Yappofloyd]

I'm not sure why $700K needs to be spent when good models already exist elsewhere (eg Oyster in HK) but I guess it is a good sign that a proper research is finally being done.

MASS TRANSIT / FARES ADB to study single-ticket, financing options - PARISTA YUTHAMANOP BKK Post 30/01/08

The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has signed a contract with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for research on a single ticket for all local mass-transit routes. The study received a $700,000 grant from the Japan Special Fund, which is managed by the Manila-based ADB.

The Thai government is expected to sign a loan agreement with the Japan Bank for International Construction for 30 billion baht for the Purple Line light-rail system extending from Bang Sue to Bang Yai. International bidding should open within the year.

Jean-Pierre Verbiest, the ADB's country director for Thailand, said the study would cover the strategic approach of a single ticket, suitable financial models and planning, how to acquire a single-ticket system and governance structure. ''The study will consider what should be the policy framework for a single ticket, based on financial and social considerations. It will help determine whether the flat rate of different fares is possible,'' he said. The study is expected to begin in March and take nine months to complete.

The study would also consider documentation regarding bidding and suitable fund-raising plans. In addition, it will provide advice on an appropriate management structure. Mr Verbiest said the single-ticket system was key to improving the efficiency of local mass transit. ''A state-of-the-art single-ticket system would further enhance the image of Bangkok as a world-class modern metropolis,'' he said.

Maitree Srinarawat, director-general of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said the study would also cover fares of existing transit lines. ''A proposal to reduce fares would require state subsidies in practice. The study of the single-ticket system could help provide transparency and advice for suitable financial management of the mass transit fare,'' he said.

Pongpanu Svetarundra, the PDMO director-general, said the current transit routes had different fare structures, so integrating tickets would be complicated.

[GWR]

It's Time Bangkok's commuters had a pre-paid smart card
Published on May 19, 2008

To get around Bangkok, or the rest of the country for that matter, using your own vehicle or public transport, you will need to carry plenty of change or more types of transportation cards than your wallet can handle.

Public buses will only take cash while the Skytrain and subway have separate stored-value cards. And if you drive, Phase 1 and Phase 3 expressways will accept coupons and smart cards but Phase 2 will only accept cash or coupons for payment. So drivers will have to remember which payment instruments each tollgate will accept. Also if you drive out of the city and get on the motorway, it will only recognise cash.

This is a real inconvenience, isn't it? Have you ever wondered why, with today's computer and network technologies, all these transportation provi-ders can't get together and agree on one card system? Wouldn't it be nice for Thailand to have a single card for multiple uses?

For many years all developed Asian countries have implemented stored-value smart card systems and their usage goes beyond transit services. Cardholders can now show their card to buy food and drinks at most popular outlets like McDonald's and Starbucks, fill up at petrol stations, pay phone bills and make many other transactions.

The card that I found has the widest usage is the Suica card in Japan.

You can get on their nationwide train system, which is the heart of Japanese public transportation, with this card.

You can start using this card from the airport to town via their airport express, get around town on buses and board inner-city trains - and even pay for the bullet train fare.

You can also use it for food and drinks at convenience stores or electronics and gadgets at popular stores like Yodobashi or BIC Camera.

You can also top up the card wherever it is accepted.

Similar cards are the Octopus in Hong Kong and Ezlink in Singapore.

Both of them have similar purposes and usage. Singapore's Ezlink card can also be used in government offices and many health centres.

Some of the benefits of smart cards are:

l One card for all eliminates the need to carry several cards.

l Save time by topping up value for only one card instead of performing several credit transactions at various card issuers.

l Do away with carrying extra cash for daily necessities.

l Security and budget control for children acquiring services.

l Faster payment times and shorter queues at points of use.

If you are a multi-mode transportation commuter - Skytrain, underground, expressway, motorway, bus or even taxi - you are sure to appreciate such a card.

All over the world this smart card, some call it a prepaid card, has been a great marketing tool for financial services as well as for retailers and service providers.

The smart card has sprung from the mass-transportation industry and entered other retail points of sale.

The number of cardholders has increased steadily.

Some consumers may not meet the eligibility requirements for credit cards, so financial institutions have introduced this smart card to serve this segment.

As for retailers and service providers, the acceptance of the card reduces cash transactions, which simplifies cash collection and handling.

All processing is done electronically. Sales also increase due to ease of purchasing and decision-making.

The smart or prepaid card concept is not new here. Similar cards were introduced many years ago but due to their limited coverage they did not gain popularity.

Today many retailers, food outlets and educational institutions issue their own cards for in-house use only.

I gather that there have been developments for the relaunch of this multipurpose card and they should reach consumers soon.

Hopefully this time around the negotiations with various transportation operators will be fruitful.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/19/business/business_30073377.php

[jpatokal]

Both of them have similar purposes and usage. Singapore's Ezlink card can also be used in government offices and many health centres.
Um, no, it can't. EZ-Link works very well for public transport, but it's accepted virtually nowhere else -- the only place I can think of is McDonalds. Even taxis don't take it. Government agencies accept (in some cases require) either NETS, a popular electronic bank account debit system, or CashCard, a stored-value electronic cash system that would long since have died an ignominious death if it weren't mandated for use in every car for Singapore's electronic road pricing (ERP) system. There's supposed to be a 2nd generation EZ-link that somehow merges all these together coming up, but I haven't heard anything about it for several years...

[MBK]

http://www.ezlink.com.sg/whereEzlinkUsed.htm

[GWR]

Transport Ministry pushes for City Pass system

The Transport Ministry urges the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to expedite the study of City Pass system in Thailand for transport ticketing convenience.

The Transport Minister, Mr. Santi Promphat (สันติ พร้อมพัฒน์), says the OTP has received budget from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to study the City Pass system. He says the progress of the study will be seen in the next two months especially in terms of income management.

Mr. Santi says if the country has a bus service which takes passengers from their residence to electric train stations, people will use more public transportation and the country will save about 200 billion to 300 billion baht of oil imports a year.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255107190003

[Yappofloyd]

Like most things regarding public transport in Bangkok it is a matter of asking when, when, when....:confused:

30 March 2007 BMA pushes for BTS-MRTA joint card this year

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will push for BTS-MRTA joint card before year end.

Joint BTS-subway ticket to be in use in 6 months

(BangkokPost.com 22/11/08) – Commuters in Bangkok could soon be using the BTS-subway ticket within the next six months, according to Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen.

30/01/08: Jean-Pierre Verbiest, the ADB's country director for Thailand, said the study would cover the strategic approach of a single ticket, suitable financial models and planning, how to acquire a single-ticket system and governance structure. ''The study will consider what should be the policy framework for a single ticket, based on financial and social considerations. It will help determine whether the flat rate of different fares is possible,'' he said. The study is expected to begin in March and take nine months to complete.