The Transport Ministry and the Northern Bangkok Monorail Company, operator of the Pink Line train service, have agreed to extend the free trial run until January 2nd, instead of December 17th, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said today.

He said that 50,910 people used the train service between 3pm and 8pm on November 21st, the first day of the free trial run. The number of passengers jumped to 96,262 on the second day, when the daily service was extended to 6am until 8pm.

Suriya said that the increase in numbers is a good sign that people in the capital are prepared to change from private to public transport.

The Pink Line, operating between Kae Rai and Min Buri, is 34.5 kilometres long with 30 stations and connections to the Purple Line at Nonthaburi civic centre, the Red Line at Lak Si station, the BTS Green Line at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat, the Orange Line at Min Buri station and the Grey Line, which is yet to be built, at Watcharaphol station.

The fares on the Pink Line will be between 15 and 45 baht when charged from January 3rd.

There is a park-and-ride parking facility near the Min Buri station, which can accommodate 3,025 cars. The 3-storey parking structure is equipped with elevators, toilets, including for the disabled, and a CCTV system. Parking is five baht per hour and 1,000 baht for a monthly parking pass.