Free MRT ride at 5 new stations for 2 months

Sanam Chai is one of the new five stations of the Blue Line extension from Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)

Passengers will be allowed a free ride for two months on the MRT's new five-station stretch, starting July 29.

Pakapong Sirikantaramas, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) of Thailand governor, said on Thursday the Blue Line will provide a free service for passengers riding the train at five stations from Wat Mung Korn to Tha Phra during the two-month test run starting July 29.

Other new stations on the extension are Sanam Chai, Sam Yot and Isra Phab.

But if they take the train to or from Hua Lamphong, the fare is 16 baht a ride, he added.

MRTA will use a new fleet of trains for the line from Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra and it expects 30,000 passengers on the first day of the test run.

The government on Thursday affirmed its intention to implement transport policies promised to voters by key coalition parties, including a policy to charge electric train passengers a flat fare of 15 baht per ride.