New Green Line stations tested for Dec 5 debut

Part of the BTS Light Green Line extension will be opened this December as planned, the CEO of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc said yesterday.

Surapong Laoha-unya made the announcement after presiding over a test run.

The BTS operator has completed test runs at four stations of the extension, which stretches beyond Ha Yaek Lat Phrao at the northern end of the Light Green (Sukhumvit) Line.

The new stations are Phahon Yothin (N10), Ratchayothin (N11), Senanikom (N12) and Kasetsart University (N13).

“The test runs were conducted made to ensure that the track, cars and communication signalling system are working together. Results show that the whole system operates together smoothly,” Mr Surapong told media.

The operator, he said, will conduct trial runs throughout November before officially opening the extension this Dec 5, as planned.

The contractor is working around the clock to construct the remaining 11 stations and infrastructure for the Light Green Line, which will terminate at Khu Khot station in Pathum Thani province when it opens next year, he added.

The BTS operator has recruited 100 staff to serve the extension.

The company has also purchased 46 new trains to add to the current rolling stock of 84.

Twenty-two have already been delivered by Germany’s AG Siemens, while China’s CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co has sent 10 more of the 24 ordered. The new trains will reduce waiting times at stations.