BANGKOK, Dec. 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The opening of the Bang Sue-Tha Phra extension, or Section 3, of Bangkok's Chaloem Ratchamongkhon MRT line, better known as the Blue Line, marks the final delivery phase of Thales' Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system on the line's extension. This follows the successful installation of the ticketing system for Section 2, which was put into revenue service on 30 September 2019.
Thales was appointed by the Bangkok Expressway Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and CH. Karnchang Public Company Limited (CK) in 2017 to implement the AFC system across 19 new stations on the extension, having supplied 18 stations on the original Blue Line. Within the scope of this contract, Thales is also supplying additional Gates and Token Issuing Machines (TIM) to increase the capacity of these stations.
Designed to mitigate growing traffic congestion problems and streamline travels within the metropolitan area, the Blue Line currently serves a daily ridership of 400,000, with numbers set to double as Section 3 transitions into full operation mode. With the installation of its TransCity solution, Gates and TIMs, Thales is well-positioned to support this growth and deliver a seamless ticketing experience across 800,000 passenger journeys.
A major player within Thailand's transportation sector, Thales has been contracted for several notable engagements, with the most recent being the upgrade of the country's rail network signalling system to European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 this year.
"Thales has strong expertise in ticketing solutions in some of the world's largest metro systems. Aligned with Thailand's 'One Transport for All' vision of enabling commuters to travel with ease, we are pleased to be able to extend our technology to the extended Blue Line and enhancing the passenger experience in Bangkok. As Thales celebrates 50 years of activity in Thailand, we look forward to strengthening Thailand's rail network and supporting the needs of a rapidly growing urban population," Massimo Marinzi, Country Director, Thales in Thailand
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of 19 billion Euros in 2018 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto).
Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations -- connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity -- technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.
About Thales in Thailand
Thales celebrates 50 years of partnership with Thailand. Thales in Thailand has significant credentials in the civil and defence sectors, working with key Thai partners in the areas of aerospace, defence, transportation, air traffic management, digital identity and security and space. Employing over 100 employees in Bangkok, Thales in Thailand achieved a Board of Investment (BOI) status, recognising the commitment of the Group to invest in the country and to develop local skills and expertise.
Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191220/2656906-1?lang=0
