"Airport Rail Link"

The number of daily commuters using the rail system, including MRT, BTS and the Airport Rail Link, has risen to 600,000 per day since Thailand reopened on November 1.

The Transport Ministry said it is accelerating the process of delivering land for the high-speed railway linking Thailand’s three main airports – Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao.

CP Group has started sending working groups to study the Airport Rail Link as it will be taking over the network’s operation from October 24 onwards, Suthep Panpeng, director-general of SRT Electrified Train (SRTET), said on Monday.

SRT Electrified Train Co Ltd (SRTET) will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Red Line urban train from Bang Sue to Rangsit stations and from Bang Sue to Taling Chan stations for 11 months starting in January, or until the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) finalises the contract with the private partner to take over the operation.

The operator of the Airport Rail Link said on Saturday that the Department of Rail Transport has ordered all operators of public rail transport in Bangkok to increase security measures after a state of emergency was declared from Thursday morning.

SRT Electrified Train Co Ltd (SRTET), operator of the Airport Rail Link, is seeking approval from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to reduce fares from Phya Thai to Suvarnabhumi Airport for three months from October onwards.

Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has instructed some train operators to consider extending low fares beyond the end of this month.

The Airport Rail Link will offer free rides on December 12 to those wanting to welcome His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and see the royal barge procession, in which the King will participate as the final ceremony of his coronation.

The Airport Rail Link will celebrate the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother by allowing mothers to ride the electric train for free on August 12.

Airport Rail Link on Monday pledged to add portable ramps and do away with platform gaps at all stations, as it seeks to better serve older customers and those travelling with wheelchairs.

The Airport Rail Link will start installing passenger guard rails at all seven stations next month, its managing director said Monday.