The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is considering transferring the operation of three elevated train lines to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT).
They are the Gold Line, between Thonburi and Khlong San, the Watcharaphol-Rama 9-Tha Phra Grey Line and the Bang Na-Suvarnabhumi airport Blue Line extension.
Currently, the MRT is the operator of the Blue, Yellow, Orange, Purple and Pink lines.
According to Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon, the Grey and Blue line extension projects, with estimated investment costs of about 29.1 billion baht and 48 billion baht respectively, are undergoing feasibility studies regarding the investment model and project suitability, after the completion of environmental impact assessment.
As for the 1.8km Gold Line, between Thonburi and Khlong San, he said that Krungthep Thanakom, an investment arm of the BMA, has awarded a 30-year contract to BTSC to operate it, using the two billion baht revenue earned from advertisingon the train line from Siam Piwat, owner of the Icon Siam shopping mall.
He added, however, that BTSC collects about 2.4 million baht in fares each month, from an average of 5,000 passengers per day, resulting in a monthly operating loss of about 12.6 million baht.
