Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC),part of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Ltd., recently announced that on the 1st July 2012 they will be launching the new Rabbit Card for Thai Senior Citizens aged 60 years and over. This special concessionary stored-value smartpass will offer 50% discount of normal fares for travel on the BTS SkyTrain on weekends, and public holidays from 06.00 hrs.- 24.00 hrs. and weekdays during off-peak periods, from 09.00 hrs. – 16.00 hrs. and 20.00 hrs. – 24.00 hrs. Elderly passengers will be able to use the new Rabbit Card to travel throughout the BTS system, including both the Sukhumvit and Silom Line Extensions, totaling 30 stations, running a distance of 30.95 kilometers. The introduction of discounted rates for off-peak travel is aimed at encouraging senior citizens to use public transport for more convenience and safety. The special discount promotion for seniors will run for a period of one year until 13th June 2013, after which BTSC, in coordination with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will evaluate suitability for future implementation.

The Rabbit Card for Senior Citizens is similar to an existing Sky SmartPass (Stored Value SmartPass), in that only cash value can be added, rather than trips. However, similar to other types of Rabbit cards, the Rabbit Card for Senior Citizens may also be used for retail purchases at participating outlets and to collect redeemable Carrot Reward points. Cardholders will be required to show their Thai Citizen ID to BTS staff upon request when using the card, which will be available for purchase at all BTS Ticket Offices from 1st July 2012 onwards.

From 1st July 2012 to 31st December 2012, passengers wishing to purchase the Rabbit Card for Senior Citizens are required to pay an initial issuing fee of 50 baht and 50 baht card deposit (refundable after Rabbit cardholders cancel and return their card). Cash value can be added from 100 baht, up to a maximum of 4,000 baht.

Existing BTS SmartPass cardholders, who wish to change to use the new Rabbit Card for Senior Citizens, are entitled to waiver of the initial issuing fee of 50 baht, with payment of 50 baht card deposit only. This special promotion runs until 31st December 2012.