Government approves BMA's 2.2 km extention of skytrain

BANGKOK: -- The government has finally approved a proposed plan of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) on its 2.2 kilometre extension of the existing skytrain system to the Thonburi side.

The government endorsed the plan at a joint government-BMA meeting here on Friday, which was chaired by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Under the plan, the BMA is now allowed to construct the 2.2 kilometre extended skytrain route, from Taksin Station to Taksin Road, with its own cost.

However, the city authority is to negotiate with Bangkok Mass Transit System Co. (BTS), the skytrain operator, on the operation of the extended route with the company's coaches.

The talks must also include the two parties' benefit sharing of the route in detail.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin told TNA after the meeting that the city authority would accelerate its negotiations with BTS, as instructed by the government, and would conclude a deal soonest possible so that the construction of the extended skytrain route could be completed over the next one year.

The agreement would be submitted to the Ministry of Interior and the cabinet for a final approval, he noted.

The city authority will also seek government approvals for its plans to further extend the skytrain system from Taksin Road to Bang Wa area--4.5 kilometres--and from On Nuj to Samrong area--8.9 kilometres--in the future, according to the Bangkok governor.

Meanwhile, BTS's top executive Dr. Anat Arbhabhirama told TNA that the company is willing to negotiate with the BMA on the planned 2.2 kilometre extended route and would make a final decision thereafter.

The number of passengers using the skytrain service is believed to considerably increase daily after the planned extension.

--TNA 2005-11-05

Yes, indeed, His Imperial Wiseness has finally realised that by stalling the BMA and the Skytrain extension any longer would have made him look an even bigger <deleted> than he already is. A smart move on his part I say. With his popularity dwindling H.I.W needs all the good PR he can get.

Abhisit played his hand perfectly and now there is at last hope of people from Thonburi being able to ride downtown on the train in 15 - 20 minutes instead of over an hour within the next 18 months. Plus there is also talk of the completion of the line to Petkasem Rd ,over 4.5 km. At last.

""The number of passengers using the skytrain service is believed to considerably increase daily after the planned extension"" Who would have guessed???

You'd think that common sense would have prevailed over two years ago but I forgot this country has a dictator and not a premier who thinks he is running a business.

COLONISATION .....FAST!