Suvarnabhumi Airport Link sets soft launch for December 5

There are preliminary plans to investigate the feasibility to create a link to the airport from Pattaya using the existing train tracks and upgrading the train.

People interested in free rides on the airport and Bangkok route on December 5 may apply for tickets beginning October 1 at either the Airport Rail Link office or at SRT headquarters, Mr. Yuthana said.

Test runs of the system have been conducted since February by Siemens, the manufacturer and installer of the rail system, and no problems have been found. However, independent engineers will inspect the safety system for the next three months and if no problems are found, the system will be ready for operation.

The SRT board has also hired Deutsche Bahn International of Germany for 85 million baht to train Airport Rail Link staff. The board exports to launch the system on December 5, Mr. Yuttana added.

The 28 km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi International Airport in adjacent Samut Prakan province and the City Air Terminal in Bangkok’s Makkasan area.

The Airport Rail Link is owned and will be operated by SRT, through a subsidiary company, which will administer the overall operations.

According to a preliminary study, the fare for an express trip will be 150 baht per person, while fares for the City Line commuter trips, will vary from 30-50 baht per passenger.

Transport for airport express riders and local commuters will run on the same track with the same equipment, but with a staggered schedule.

Premium-fare express services will run on the hour between Suvarnabhumi Airport and City Air Terminal, while the City Line service will stop at six local stations along the route.