Bangkok Metro Plc has decided to put in a bid to run a section of the new Purple Line subway.
The company believes its experience in operating the existing MRT service and its attractive bid would enable it to win the contract.
BMCL managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said the result of the tender, to be announced by the State Railway of Thailand on Feb 24, would be decided by price rather than the bidders’ technical knowledge of the service.
Mr Sombat said BMCL, which operates the MRT from Hua Lampong to Bang Sue, should easily meet the requirements for technical knowledge – but so should its rival, skytrain operator Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS).
BMCL has begun working on its bid and has been talking to electric train manufacturers across the world to find a supplier should it win the contract.
The government is looking for a private company to operate the Klong Bang Phai-Tao Pun section, part of the 23km Purple Line that will connect Bang Sue and Bang Yai.
The winning bidder will be given the contract to operate the service and maintain the trains, but the fares will be set by the government.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/208585/subway-operator-has-eye-for-purple-line
