Despite delayed service, insufficient trains, and a system that constantly breaks down, the BTS chairman suggested a fare increase when the integrated ticketing system is launched and the number of passengers is expected to climb.
Since the all-in-one public transportation card “spider card” is expected to launch by October of next year, BTS Group Holding Company chairman Khiri Kanchanapas said that the BTS would need a fare hike to cover the cost of maintenance due to the increasing number of passengers, Post Today reported.
“How could the operator survive with the same funding when there are more routes, more passengers?” Khiri said.
Currently, an average of 900,000 people use the BTS each day, and the number is expected to increase to two million per day in the next three years after the the launch of the Pink and Yellow Lines.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) deputy governor Ritthika Suparat said that an affiliate company will be set up to manage and maintain the integrated ticketing system, and all parties will be invited for a discussion.
