Free bus, train rides to royal cremation ground

Buses running to the venue of the royal cremation of the late King Rama IX, electric trains and some tollways would offer free services late this month, according to the Transport Ministry.

Sarawoot Songsiwilai, inspector-general of the ministry, said on Tuesday that 894 non-air-conditioned buses on 46 routes to the vicinity of Sanam Luang, the royal cremation venue, were offering free services.

For electric trains, the Purple Line and Airport Rail Link would waive fares from 5.30am to 2am between Oct 25 and 27, and the Blue Line would do the same from 5.30am to 2am on Oct 26 (the royal cremation day), he said.

Besides, fees would be lifted on the Don Muang Tollway and the Srirat-Outer Ring Road expressway on Oct 26 and fees on inter-city motorways No.7 and No.9 would be waived between Oct 24 and 27.

More trains and additional carriages would be deployed on Oct 26.

Arrivals in Bangkok for the royal cremation were expected from Oct 23 to 26 and departures would continue until Oct 30 as some people might stay to observe the atmosphere after the royal cremation, Mr Sarawoot said.