The Bangkok Metropolitan Council has approved a budget allocation of up to 23.4 billion baht to compensate the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) for the construction and management of the second extension of the Green Line.
In a meeting attended by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, executives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and various government officials, the proposed legislation received 43 supportive votes, with one abstention.
This funding will enable the BMA to acquire ownership of the extension line and address the outstanding expenses related to the electrical and mechanical works and operations incurred by BTSC.
Napapon Chirakul, who represents the Bangkok Noi district as a councillor and leads the committee evaluating the proposal, revealed this information.
The Green Line’s expansion connects with the Pink Line monorail at Wat Phra Si Mahathat station and with the Yellow Line monorail at Samrong station.
The BMA recently introduced a flat fare of 15 baht for each ride on this extension.
The committee has recommended that the BMA expedite spending on the electrical and mechanical (E&M) tasks to focus on securing funds for additional projects.
Mr. Napapon Chirakul stated, “The panel has reviewed the draft ordinance by adhering to related laws for the sake of transparency and the full benefit of all”.
“I feel relieved that the councillors approved it”, said the governor. “KT will try to negotiate with BTSC to lower the payment”.
The BMA, along with its commercial entity Krungthep Thanakhom (KT), owes BTSC approximately 30 billion baht for the operation and maintenance services of the Green Line.
