BANGKOK, Dec 23 (TNA) – The new MRT Blue Line
extension, which completes the loop of the Blue Line subway network started a
trial run on Monday.
Saksayam Chidchob, Transport Minister presided over
the opening of the trial run for the Blue Line extension, connecting Tha Phra station
to Tao Poon station.
The trial run of four additional stations from Bang
Pho station to Sirindhorn station began on Dec 4 before four more stations,
Bang Yee Khan, Bang Khun Non, Fai Chai and Charan 13 opened today.
All eight stations complete the loop, connecting Tha
Phra station and Tao Poon station and free rides of the new extension will be
offered until normal operations on March 30 next year.
The fare starts at 16 baht to the maximum fare rate of
42 baht.
The whole Blue Line network when in full operation will
consist of 38 stations, covering the distance of 48 kilometres, including the
extensions from Tha Phra station to Tao Poon station and from Hua Lamphong
station to Lak Song station.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA),
the developer expects the number of passenger will increase to 800,000 people
daily within one year after the full operation of the whole line.
Currently, the number of passengers reaches the peak
on Fridays or around 480,000 persons daily on average. (TNA)
