Purple Line, Blue Line will be connected on Aug 11

BANGOK, July 12 (TNA) – The Purple Line and the Blue Line electric railways will be connected on Aug 11 for commuters’ conveniences, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said. Bangkok Expressway and Metro Pcl was testing systems to prepare for the connection that should offer public conveniences and draw more passengers, he said. The linkage should raise the number of passengers on the Purple Line from 26,000-30,000 to the targeted number of 100,000 a day, the minister said. Despite the connection, fare discounts will continue to attract commuters, he said. Those with MRT Plus cards are charged a flat rate of 29 baht. Normal fares are 14-42 baht. On holidays flat fares are 15 baht for adults and 8 baht for children and the elderly. There is a 1-kilometer gap between the Blue Line’s Bang Sue station and the Purple Line’s Tao Poon station and Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has invoked his absolute powers under Article 44 of the interim charter to resolve the “missing link.” (TNA)