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125490
Tue, 06/01/2010 - 17:05
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http://m.oananews.org//node/125490
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Airport Rail Link soft launch attracts public after 'political' delay
BANGKOK, June 1 (TNA) - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on Tuesday conducted a test run of the the Thai capital's Airport Rail Link, attracting passengers to try free rides.
Eighteen trains are initially operating from 7-10am and 4-7pm, on express runs from Phayathai station to the Suvarnabhumi Airport station without a stop at other stations.
Each trip takes about 22 minutes. However, the baggage check-in system is not yet open. Two more stops at Hua Mark station and Ramkhamhaeng station will be operated in mid-month and other stations will open later to complete all eight stations.
Permanent Secretary for Transport Supoj Saplom co-chaired the test run launch Tuesday.He said free rides will be offered until commercial service opens on August 12 to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday.
Fares will start at 15 baht and increase by five baht for each station to a maximum fare of 45 baht while nonstop Airport Express Trains will cost 150 baht. The passenger capacity is some 600-700 persons for each train. An integrated ticketing system will be applied later linking with the elevated BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway and buses.
The railways will adjust the system as advised by engineers to improve the fire safety system at Makkasan Station, and will spend Bt3 million on the security system to be in line with international standard. Engineers will certify the security system before the official opening, Mr Supoj said.
Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Nirand Theeranartsin said signage will be installed to give directions to passengers at the airport.
The Airport Rail Link may have an impact on taxi services at the airport and the affect will be discussed to help those who may lose some income.
Some passengers who tested the service on Tuesday said they are satisfied but say the security system should be more strict.
The Ministry of Transport earlier postponed its April 30 soft opening of the Airport Rail Link for safety reasons following Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) concern over the safety of commuters due to the recent political turmoil.
The 28-kilometre Airport Rail Link project connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city centre is expected to serve up to 50,000 commuters daily. (TNA)
Eighteen trains are initially operating from 7-10am and 4-7pm, on express runs from Phayathai station to the Suvarnabhumi Airport station without a stop at other stations.
Each trip takes about 22 minutes. However, the baggage check-in system is not yet open. Two more stops at Hua Mark station and Ramkhamhaeng station will be operated in mid-month and other stations will open later to complete all eight stations.
Permanent Secretary for Transport Supoj Saplom co-chaired the test run launch Tuesday.He said free rides will be offered until commercial service opens on August 12 to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday.
Fares will start at 15 baht and increase by five baht for each station to a maximum fare of 45 baht while nonstop Airport Express Trains will cost 150 baht. The passenger capacity is some 600-700 persons for each train. An integrated ticketing system will be applied later linking with the elevated BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway and buses.
The railways will adjust the system as advised by engineers to improve the fire safety system at Makkasan Station, and will spend Bt3 million on the security system to be in line with international standard. Engineers will certify the security system before the official opening, Mr Supoj said.
Meanwhile, Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Nirand Theeranartsin said signage will be installed to give directions to passengers at the airport.
The Airport Rail Link may have an impact on taxi services at the airport and the affect will be discussed to help those who may lose some income.
Some passengers who tested the service on Tuesday said they are satisfied but say the security system should be more strict.
The Ministry of Transport earlier postponed its April 30 soft opening of the Airport Rail Link for safety reasons following Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) concern over the safety of commuters due to the recent political turmoil.
The 28-kilometre Airport Rail Link project connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city centre is expected to serve up to 50,000 commuters daily. (TNA)
