Thailand's 2nd monorail line begins public trial run

This photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 shows the Pink Line monorail in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's second monorail mass rapid transit line began a public trial run here in the country's capital on Tuesday ahead of its commercial operations planned for next month.

Accommodating travel demand in northern Bangkok, the Pink Line spans 34.5 km across 30 stations, interconnecting with several intra-city rail lines, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. (Photo by Tim Santasombat/Xinhua)

BANGKOK, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's second monorail mass rapid transit line began a public trial run here in the country's capital on Tuesday ahead of its commercial operations planned for next month.

Accommodating travel demand in northern Bangkok, the Pink Line spans 34.5 km across 30 stations, interconnecting with several intra-city rail lines, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand.

Speaking after experiencing the service in person, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the new monorail line marked a great step in infrastructure development for the kingdom as it provides ease of transport for locals and tourists traveling in Bangkok's suburbs, and helps attract foreign investments.

Another route, the Yellow Line, part of the country's pioneering straddle-beam monorail project, launched its commercial operation in July, providing a fresh transportation option for residents suffering from the city's congested roads.

Both monorail systems feature cost-effective driverless trains manufactured by a Chinese company in China, with lower construction costs compared to conventional subway systems. 

This photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 shows the Pink Line monorail in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's second monorail mass rapid transit line began a public trial run here in the country's capital on Tuesday ahead of its commercial operations planned for next month.

Accommodating travel demand in northern Bangkok, the Pink Line spans 34.5 km across 30 stations, interconnecting with several intra-city rail lines, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. (Photo by Tim Santasombat/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Nov. 21, 2023 shows the Pink Line monorail in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's second monorail mass rapid transit line began a public trial run here in the country's capital on Tuesday ahead of its commercial operations planned for next month.

Accommodating travel demand in northern Bangkok, the Pink Line spans 34.5 km across 30 stations, interconnecting with several intra-city rail lines, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. (Photo by Tim Santasombat/Xinhua)