Number of mass transit rail system passengers to rise by double

BANGKOK, Oct 18 (TNA) - State-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) governor Pirayut Singpattanakul is optimistic that the number of passengers of electric train networks in Bangkok and outlying areas would soar to more than 2.5 million persons daily, almost double from now. By the end of last month, electric train system under the supervision of MRTA progressed satisfactorily. He said construction works of the purple route from Bang Yai to Bang Sue advanced 99 per cent, the blue route from Hua Lampong to Bang Kae and from Bang Sue to Ta Pra progressed 67 per cent; the green route from Bae Ring to Samut Prakan province 65 per cent and from Mor Chit to Koo Kot 0.8 per cent. Mr. Pirayut said the Transport Ministry would soon propose to the cabinet for its approval to construct electric train system on four other routes. On a joint ticketing between the Bangkok Mass Transit System, the MRTA and the Airport Rail Link which is expected to be implemented in 2016, Mr. Pirayut said he expected that the number of daily passengers would soar to over 2.5 million when all the electric train systems are complete in 2022. (TNA)