The elevated BTS Green Line extension from Bearing to Samut Prakan is finally open for operation, starting from Dec 6, offering free rides for commuters until Apr 16 next year.

As reported by Bangkok Post, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and executives of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), which operates the line, surveyed the extension on Tuesday (Dec 4) to make sure the system is ready for the service ahead.

The 13-kilometer extension is connected with the BTS Skytrain’s Sukhumvit Line, or the Green Line, and covers nine stations: Samrong, Pu Chao, Chang Erawan, Royal Thai Naval Academy, Pak Nam, Srinagarindra, Phraek Sa, Sai Luat and Kheha.

To get to the new stations, according to the BTS SkyTrain official Facebook page, you have to change trains at Samrong station. 

According to the governor, the ride from Bearing to Kheha station in Samut Prakan province should take about 20 minutes, and about 60,000 people are expected to use the service in the first year, adding that the number could rise to 100,000 the following year.

The construction of the extended elevated line began in 2012 and was completed last year. The first of the nine stations, Samrong, was opened for service on Apr 3 last year. 

A 16-stop extension is also under construction beyond Mo Chit station, heading north. According to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, the extension was 53-percent complete as of Dec 2017.