Will we be able to experience the delight of THB20 fares for all trips on Bangkok’s electric trains within two years?
Maybe. At least that’s what Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) governor Yongsit Rojsrikul said yesterday.
MRTA is currently in negotiations with Bangkok Metro (BMCL), which operates the underground MRT, and BTS, which operates the Skytrain. Yongsit said that they need two years to increase the number of trains to handle the added riders that will be drawn by lower fares.
BMCL currently has 19 trains operating, but would need double that number to handle the increase in passengers, Yongsit said.
The MRTA is continuing rail expansion in Bangkok – blue and purple lines delayed by last year’s flooding are now under construction, MCOT reported. The MRTA is also working on green, orange, yellow, and pink lines which will cover out Bangkok.
The total construction budget is set at THB500 million which will cover costs for up to seven years, Yongsit said. Once completed Bangkok will have a train network of over 200 kilometers.
