Test runs on extension from Taksin Bridge start in August

Speaking during a visit to the site, Apirak said the 2.2-kilometre extension of the Bangkok Mass Transit System's elevated rail network was almost complete. Test runs will start in August and full service is expected by March next year, he said.

The governor insisted that despite the addition of two more stops, the maximum fare on the Skytrain would be kept at Bt40, and the fare between Taksin Bridge station and Wongwien Yai would not be more than Bt10.

Apirak expected the 5.25-km extension on Sukhumvit Road, from On Nut station to Baring station, to be completed by the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, referring to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, Apirak said the first phase that links Sathorn, Narathiwat, Ratchanakrin, Rama II and Ratchaphreuk roads would be completed soon. Once in operation, the BRT and the Skytrain will be linked so that commuters can use one ticket for both systems, he said.

The Nation