The below is an article from the Asian News Network. Now in general a unified ticketing system is a good thing but I think the most important linkup is strangely enough left of the article below: a link betwen the MRT and BTS systems. I wonder why and they have been talking about his since years...actually since the MRT opened up. So I really wonder whats holding them back to link up MRT and BTS. They both use smart card systems so it would just be a thing of changing the computer system, no additional or new machines required. Whereas with ferries and buses, who will pay for tall the new ticketing machines required? Here is the article:
The Bangkok Mass Transit System, the operator of the BTS Skytrain, expresses its support for a common ticket system for the skytrain, subway, ferries and public buses.
The Bangkok Mass Transit System, or BTS, Director Anat Arbhabhirama expressed his support for a common-ticket system between all forms of public transport system in Bangkok.
The common-ticket system has long been one of the development plans or campaign promises made by political parties hoping to win votes of city residents.
Anat said the BTS is more than ready to join the common-ticket system. Such a system would allow commuters to use one card to pay for all types of public transportation in the city, inclusive of the skytrain, subway, ferries and even public buses.
The BTS director tentatively agrees the price for an integrated ticket could start at 40-baht.
However, Anat pointed out that there are two main ways of integrating public transport services.
One of the ways is to allow commuters to use one common card as a mode of payment that's accepted by all types of public transportation.
However, the commuter will need to make separate payments for each ride and mode of transportation.
According to Anat, this integrated payment system will be easiest to implement.
The second type is an integrated pass system where the public holds a single card and pays a fair that allows them access to all types of transport services for a limited duration of time.
This type of integrated ticketing system will allow the public to seamlessly transit from one type of public transport to the other by paying just once.
However, the downside is the system will require high technological maintenance and changes to each transport company's revenue collection operation since prices for different transport services vary.
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