BANGKOK, 20 March 2013 The capital’s underground train operator is scheduled to suspend parts of its escalator services during a certain period of the day for 3 months in a bid to help save energy.
Ms. Rachanee Tripipatkul, the Committee Chairman of Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) revealed on Tuesday that MRTA and Bangkok Metro Public Company Limited (BMCL), which operates the underground train service in Bangkok, have decided to collaborate and join in the government’s call for power conservation.
In doing so, both resolved to implement a temporary suspension of escalator services at all underground train stations from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm during April 1 and June 30.
Ms. Rachanee stated that 70-80 of existing 200 escalators will be chosen for the temporary suspension.
MRTA and BMCL expect the initiative will save a sizable portion of the electricity bill, estimated at around 1 million baht per day.
BMCL President Chaiwat Utaiwan said that, since the underground train service began in 2004, the number of commuters has grown consistently to approximately 260,000 per day, while it is predicted that the passenger number will grow further by 10% this year
Mr. Chaiwat added that BMCL is making about 6 million baht each day.
In addition, he said MRTA will adjust up parking fee at all of its properties, including the parking building and every parking area, to 15 baht for 2 hours for MRT commuters and to 40 baht per hour for non-commuters.
However, the rate will be 50 baht per hour for those who park at Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center stations.
