Skytrain green lines ready by 2012: BMA

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration board would propose that Cabinet to be in charge of constructing all Skytrain routes instead of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).

Sukhumbhand expected the proposal would go to Cabinet at the beginning of next month.

The former government led by Somchai Wongsawat made a Cabinet resolution on November 27 last year allowing the MRTA to oversee the extension projects instead of the BMA.

But Sukhumbhand said: "Most big cities in the world are responsible for their own mass transit system, so it's not unusual that BMA wants to oversee all the green routes itself. I'm certain that the government will change the Cabinet resolution to approve the BMA to run the project instead of the MRTA and I believe I'll be able to build understanding with the MRTA."

A budget of Bt21.8 billion will be provided to build the Mor Chit-Saphan Mai extension, or dark green line, which will be 11.4 km long. And Bt18.53 billion will be spent building the Baring-Samut Prakan extension, or light green route, which will be 12.6 km long.

Currently, the BMA is responsible for the BTS Skytrain's 23.5 kilometres from Mor Chit to Onnut stations. And if it can oversee the two green line extensions, it would be able to have tickets that integrate with the current Skytrain system. So, passengers would be able to pay only Bt60 instead of Bt120, for their journeys, Deputy Governor Theerachon Manomaipibul said.

Moreover, if BMA oversaw the extensions, the government would save up to Bt13 billion on land needed to build carparks and for maintenance centres, he said.

Meanwhile, the extension under construction from Saphan Taksin to Wong Wian Yai (on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phya) would be ready for passengers from May 15. The other extension from Onnut to Baring is due to serve passengers from next year.