First test of Purple Line train service for public opens today, 13th June

[webfact]

First test of Purple Line train service for public opens today



BANGKOK: -- The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) today allowed the public to get first taste of its new 23-kilometre Purple Line elevated rail track linking Bangkok's Bang Sue and Nonthaburi's Bang Yai free of charge.

The distance from Klong Phai to Taopoon covers 16 stations.

The MRTA also arranged free buses to transport passengers at Taopoon so they can connect to its Blue Line train service at Bangkok Bang Sue station.

The first test of train service drew a large number of people in Nonthaburi with tickets they were given queuing up at Klong Phai station in Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi to get the free test rides.

A total of 5,000 free tickets were distributed to the people on June 5 to get the free rides today.

The first train left the station at 07.00 am.

The test run servive will last at 09.00 am.

The MRTA arranged eight trains from a total of 21 for today’s test.

The last train left Klong Phai station for Taopoon station in Bang Sue district of Bangkok at 8.30 am, while from Taopoon arrived at Klong Phai at 9 am.

The MRTA will distribute a total of 45,000 free tickets to the public for the test rides.

The next free rides will be on June 15 and 17 for those who received the free tickets on June 5.

It distributed another 5,000 free tickets in yesterday’s second round of registration for free rides on June 22 and 24.

Third round registration for another 5,000 tickets will open on June 19 for free rides on June 27, 29 and July 1.

The sixth or last round registration for the last 10,000 tickets will be on July 10 for free rides on July 18, 20 and 22.

The opening of full system service will be commenced on August 6.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/first-test-purple-line-train-service-public-opens-today/


-- Thai PBS 2016-06-13

[chainarong]

Public transport is the way to go , however the only winners in this system of transport, is the cement company , bearing in mind that when the thaitanic of 1997 happened the world bank intervened and it was discovered the relevant Minister at the time not only had shares in the concrete company, also the family , relations and friends and enough above ground rail projects to last 100 years, all projects were cancelled , that must have been a disappointment for some.........................

[bheard]

Public transport is the way to go , however the only winners in this system of transport, is the cement company , bearing in mind that when the thaitanic of 1997 happened the world bank intervened and it was discovered the relevant Minister at the time not only had shares in the concrete company, also the family , relations and friends and enough above ground rail projects to last 100 years, all projects were cancelled , that must have been a disappointment for some.........................

Ahh, interesting. That explains the unused concrete 'bridges' scattered around Bangkok one sees when on the roads and trains.

[Thaidream]

Yes indeed- those old pillars were for the Hopewell Project tht was to run past Rangsit- Project cancelled and all building stopped. Another interesting note- it appears there is a gap between the 2 new lines- instead of seamless connection one has to be bussed between the 2 new lines. I couldn't venture a guess as to why but I am sure it has something to do with 'an influential person' making money and the hell with the public's inconvenience.

[wpcoe]

Some Thai friends used to joke that the Hopewell pillars were Thailand's Stonehenge.

[jim cortesos]

where does it start and where does it go? August 6th opening....I am lucky enough to come to Bangkok 3 or 4 times a year on a tr visa.like to ride the MRT

[Krataiboy]

The good news is that at least it isn't a Friday.