BTS Group Holdings is accelerating preparations to support the government's common ticketing policy for electric trains, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Mr. Surapong Laohanya, executive director and head of the MOVE business unit, revealed that discussions are underway with the government to adapt the EMV payment system for the Green and Gold lines, which do not yet support it, while the Pink and Yellow lines already do. The challenge is that the Green Line has over 1,000 fare gates, and installation could take about a year and a half, so they are considering installing additional swing gates like those on the Pink and Yellow lines. Currently, the BTS group serves about 1 million passengers per day, with the Green Line carrying over 800,000, the Pink Line nearly 100,000, and the Yellow Line about 60,000. Studies show that the common ticket could increase system-wide ridership by 10-20%, especially on the Pink Line, which connects to the Green Line at Wat Phra Si Mahathat station. Meanwhile, the Yellow Line still relies on area development along its stations and new urban planning, which will enhance its long-term potential.
BTS Group Holdings Public Company LimitedBTS is accelerating EMV fare-gate installation to comply with the government's common ticketing policy taking effect Jan 1, 2027, which studies show could lift system-wide ridership 10-20%.
