Yellow Line to resume normal services “next month”

Yellow Line to resume normal services 'next month'
In Bangkok during rush hours, a monorail train on the Golden Series whizzes above a traffic jam. ( Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul )

Following an incident in March that caused the Mass Rapid Transit Authority ( MRTA ) to order safety inspections along the entire line, the monorail will resume normal operations next month, according to acting MRTA governor Witthaya Phanmongkol on Monday.

After elements of the circuit’s wire bridge broke out in late March, causing damage to many vehicles on the road below, the rail is now operating on a reduced schedule on a section of the line.

Between Kalantan and Si Udom channels, the affair shook the metro electrical systems, making authorities opened the line. The incident caused trains to go on a single trail between Hua Mak and Si Iam facilities, which was afterwards reopened.

Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co Ltd ( EBM ) had to alter the service’s schedule to allow the monorail to continue operating despite the limitations of the tracks because the parts needed to repair the damaged track were out of stock, he said.

According to him, EBM has then purchased the necessary components, and repairs are anticipated to be completed by the end of May.

In response to the affair, Mr. Witthaya claimed that the MRTA had instructed EBM to evaluate its safety procedures and spare parts plans.

Trains exit every five minutes during rush hours, or every 10 minutes during out- peak hours, between Lat Phrao- Hua Mak and Si Iam- Samrong stations. Since trains can only travel along one side of the tracks, they depart every 25 hours between Hua Mak and Si Iam facilities.

Mr. Witthaya claimed that the EBM has reduced charges by 20 % so that business can begin normally. Ridership has gone down by 20 % since the tragedy, from 40, 000 people down to 32, 268 per day, said Mr Witthaya.