Public To Get 300,000 Free Tickets To Ride

[george]

Public to get 300,000 free tickets to ride

Seats on test runs April 13 to May 31

BANGKOK: A total of 300,000 free rides will be made available to the public during test runs of the country's first subway from April 13 to May 31.

Applications for tickets must be made in writing to Bangkok Metro Co Ltd, the subway operator, at PO Box 434, Lat Phrao, Bangkok 10310 by April 10. Include a stamped and addressed envelope.

Giveaway tickets will specify dates, times and subway stations for passengers.

Test runs will occur at different times of the day, including rush hours.

Before the test runs, BMCL and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, the project's owner, will open all 18 stations to the public for viewing from April 6-9. State agencies and private organisations can visit the stations in groups from May 1-9.

MRTA governor Prapat Chongsanguan said the underground system has been tested since March 1 and proved to be safe and ready for service.

The regular operation of the 20km subway, which stretches from Hua Lamphong _ Bangkok's central railway station _ to Bang Sue, will start in June. The exact opening date has yet to be specified. Fares will range from 12-31 baht in the first year of operation and then from 14-36 baht afterwards. BMCL expects 250,000 passengers a day.

The Transport Ministry, which oversees MRTA, is negotiating buying back the subway system from BMCL, to more effectively manage the total mass transit service of Bangkok.

BMCL managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said yesterday that BMCL wanted a reasonable price and secure future for its trained staff.

--The Post 2004-03-30