BTS revenue jumps on higher ridership, routes extension
BTS Group Holding expects its revenue to surge 17 per cent in the fiscal year ending this month thanks to rising ridership on the Skytrain and extensions to its lines.
Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas said yesterday that despite the massive flood from October-December last year, passenger traffic continued to increase because of the lengthening of the Sukhumvit Line to Bearing and the opening of shopping malls and condominiums along the routes.
The Skytrain, which is run by BTS subsidiary Bangkok Mass Transit System, plans to add two stations this year – Bang Chan and Bang Wa – to its Silom Line, which currently terminates at Wongwian Yai. The company has to seek the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s approval before setting fares and operating the new services.
Congestion during rush hour was difficult to handle but in August, 35 more carriages will be delivered and four more will be ordered this year. The new carriages will serve the rising demand from commuters and the longer lines. By the end of 2012, the system should carry more than 600,000 riders a day, up from 570,000 now.
The Skytrain will remain the core business of the group, Keeree said. It contributes 60-70 per cent of revenue, followed by 20 per cent from VGI Global Media, an out-of-home media agency, and the rest from property development and hotel management. WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
