Mass transportation system joint tickets to start next Feb

BANGKOK, Oct 10 (TNA) -- In an attempt to provide conveniences to commuters in the Thai capital, a joint ticketing for the Airport Rail Link, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BMTS) and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) is expected to start next February, said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittyapaisith. He told journalists that a clearing-house body, set up to calculate the rates and revenue sharing between operators of the transport systems, would be proposed to the cabinet for its consideration and the joint ticket would be used in February next year. The Airport Rail Link with its destination to Suvarnabhumi Airport is owned and operated by the State Railway of Thailand while BMTA or skytrain is operated by a private firm and the MRT or subway is operated by the state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. The joint ticket system would benefit the commuters which are estimated at over 10 million daily in Bangkok. Mr Arkhom said the joint ticket would be developed in future as holders could use it as a debit card in payment for goods purchase. (TNA)