A one-month trial run of the new Yellow Line monorail will begin on June 3, with free rides for commuters during the period, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) said on Wednesday.
According to MRTA governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas, the decision was reached at a meeting of the Department of Rail Transport and Eastern Bangkok Monorail (EBM), which holds the concession for the line.
Staff working along the Yellow Line will be briefed today, ahead of tomorrow's press launch, Mr Pakapong said.
Starting on Saturday, commuters can ride for free along the Yellow Line between 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. If the launch goes as planned, the trial hours will be extended until midnight.
Mr Pakapong said EBM must follow the advice from a certified, independent engineer to ensure the system meets international standards before the line can begin full operations.
The new monorail links Lat Phrao in Bangkok's north with Samrong in the city's east. There are 23 stations along the 30.4-kilometre line.
Fares will range from 14-42 baht, as agreed in 2016.
The fares, however, will be adjusted, based on the consumer price index for the previous three months, before full service begins.
