Passengers to pay no fare in first month of new rail lines

Khmer Times
Chea Vannak

A train crossing the Cambodian countryside. KT/Chor Sokunthea

The new railway services due to come online in April will be free for all passengers during their first month of operation, according to a representative of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

A new train service linking Battambang and Poipet, in the border with Thailand, is scheduled to launch operations next month. It is part of a wider project known as the western rail line, which will eventually connect Phnom Penh and Bangkok, via Thailand’s Aranya Pratet in the border.

In addition, a new train will soon allow commuters to travel from downtown Phnom Penh to the capital’s international airport.

Both lines will allow passengers to travel for free in their inaugural month, which includes Khmer New Year in mid-April, one of the country’s busiest holiday periods, according to Chan Kimleng, director of the railway department.

“We won’t charge a fare during the first month, including Khmer New Year,” Mr Kimleng explained. “We will even try to make the service free until the general elections, if possible.”

He said the promotion will exclusively apply to passengers, and that those wanting to transport cargo will have to pay.

The price of a regular ticket has yet to be decided, Mr Kimleng explained.

The section of the western rail line that runs from Battambang to Phnom Penh is scheduled for completion in July. The line will be connected to Thailand’s railway network, via Aranya Pratet, before the end of the year, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, despite a delay in a shipment of train carriages, the rail line that will connect the city of Phnom Penh with its airport is on course to be operational by Khmer New Year.

“There was a delay in the shipment of the carriages, which are being sent from Mexico. To make the deadline in April, we will use older carriages that we already have in our possession. They will be replaced by the new ones when they arrive.”