The Ministry of Transport has reported that the MRT Purple Line has seen a 47% surge in passengers following the opening of the previously missing link between its Tao Poon station and the MRT Blue Line's Bang Sue station on Aug 11.
According to the ministry, the Purple Line handled about 48,000 passengers per day from the link's opening until Aug 31, compared to its previous turnout of around 33,000.
As of Wednesday, the figure had risen to 59,431 passengers, the highest the MRT Purple Line has experienced since its opening last year, according to reports.
Ministry inspector-general Chirut Wisanchit has instructed the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to introduce new measures to support the rapid rise in passengers transferring to the Purple Line from the Blue Line during rush hour.
The MRT Blue Line is currently operated by the BEM.
According to Mr Chirut, the BEM has completed a procurement project for 35 new trains set to be in use by 2019.
The Mass Rapid Authority of Thailand will continue offering promotions and discounts for passengers of the MRT Purple Line until the end of this year. Other promotions include a 50% discount on parking fees at car parks along the Purple Line.
