BANGKOK, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A Common Ticketing System was launched Friday for Bangkok's mass transit commuters, after the initiative was firstly put forward some three years ago.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith presided over the launch ceremony for the Common Ticketing System in which Mangmoom (spider) Card is provided for the conveniences of Bangkok commuters who can use it with Purple Line and Blue Line of Bangkok's metro from Saturday.
From October, Mangmoom Card can be used with buses of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and rail services of the Airport Rail Link, according to the transport minister.
As for the two elevated train lines running in the center of Bangkok, or the green lines, operated by BTS Group, the ministry so far has not reached a deal with the company on the introduction of the Mangmoom card into the BTS system.
Pairin Chuchotethavorn, deputy minister of transport, called on Thais to use the Mangmoom card and then urge BTS Group to join the government's common ticket system.
Arkhom said the card can be used in all future mass transit lines of Bangkok and may extend to public transportation, stores, shopping malls around the country.
He also mentioned that a version 2 of the common ticket system may allow commuters to use their credit card or debit card for the country's mass transportation service.
There are three categories, including Blue Mangmoom Card for general people, Golden Mangmoom Card for elderly persons and Silver Mangmoom Card for students.
Both Thais and foreigners can get a card with 150 baht (4.5 U.S. dollars), 50 as deposit and top up a minimum of 100 baht, from this Saturday.
