An inconvenience that's been turning Purple Line commuters purple with rage will come to an end on Aug 11 when the rail service finally will link with the MRT at Tao Poon station.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith on Wednesday declared Aug 11 as the date for the two mass transit lines to meet, when the MRT officially launches its 1.2km line extension from Bang Sue to Tao Poon.
The Purple Line from Bang Yai station in Nonthaburi to Tao Poon opened in August last year but ridership fell far short of its target because of the missing link with the MRT.
Passengers have to alight at Tao Poon and take a free shuttle bus to Bang Sue in order to catch the MRT into central Bangkok. Alternatively, they can take a shuttle train from the Purple Line's Bang Son station to Bang Sue.
The Mass Transit Authority of Thailand has seen only 30,000 passengers a day using the Purple Line since it opened for service.
Mr Arkom said the number of commuters would reach the goal of 100,000 passengers a day when they can change trains directly at Tao Poon next month.
Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc, which operates the two lines, is currently testing the system from Bang Sue to Tao Poon and plans a trial run of the train later this month.