MRTA eyes new system for payments

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is looking to install EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) technology as a payment method on Bangkok’s masstransit systems.

“EMV technology is already functional. [After the introduction of EMV], both locals and foreigners will no longer have to queue up for tickets, as we will adopt a new ‘payas-you-go’ payment method,” new MRTA governor, Pakapong Sirikantaramas, told media yesterday.

The first EMV payment facilities will be installed on Bangkok’s MRT and BTS train systems before being pushed to other public transportation nationwide.

“The EMV technology will facilitate commuters across all transportation platforms. We are also planning to adopt the technology on 2,000 buses in Bangkok, water transportation, and highways,” Mr Pakapong said.

Another perk of adopting EMV technology in Thailand is its global compatibility. Thais with contactless payment technology in their credit cards can also easily hop on transportation in London and Singapore as of today.

EMV is part of “4.0 MRTA” — a plan to improve its service by using online innovation.

“The 4.0 MRTA plan will focus on changing the way people commute by bringing innovation to add value to the country’s productivity like Korea,” he said. “After all, accurate timing is key to a healthy transportation system. At times when traffic congestion inevitably occurs, we should have an alternative that the public can rely on”, Mr Pakapong said.

In a related development, Mr Pakapong pledged to introduce the “Mangmoom” card — a single electronic card that can be used for all mass transit by 2020. Release of this much-wanted card has suffered innumerable delays.

The MRTA is also looking at firms to outsource its fare collection system.

Apart from development of online services, the MRTA also has multiple train lines under construction while new projects are also being hatched for the provinces.

The MRTA is also planning cross-province transit lines — one for Phuket and another for Chiang Mai. The agency is inviting the private sector to jointly invest in both the planning and construction of these new lines, he said.

“The expansion of our transport system must occur with the natural gentrification process of our cities so that there is no lag period in the growth of our nation,” he added.