ST Electronics vows to speed up fare collection in Thai trains

The subgroup of ST Engineering will supply Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Train Line with an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) and will be used in five key stations of the line extension.

In a statement, ST Electronics said the contract was awarded by The Krungthep Thanakom Company Limited (KT), a Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Enterprise.

The deal comes at the heels of ST Electronics being awarded an earlier contract this year for a Bus Rapid Transit System in Bangkok. This brings the total value of its overseas rail electronics-related contracts secured in 2010 to about S$150m.

The AFCS for the Sukhumvit Line will be implemented from On Nut Station to Bearing Station (E10 to E14). The extension adds 5.25km to the route length of the existing BTS Sukhumvit Line and includes five new stations. The AFCS will be delivered by the second half of 2011 for commencement of revenue service.

“ST Electronics has established a strong track record in delivering cost-effective and reliable integrated rail solutions which are necessary for rapid urbanisation and eco sustainability of large cities. This contract award strengthens our leadership position in the rail transportation sector in this region," said Lee Fook Sun, president of ST Electronics.

"We are happy to be given this opportunity to implement another efficient and safe public transportation system for our valued customers," he added.