BANGKOK, Feb 1 (AFP) - The Thai capital's subway re-opened to the public Tuesday two weeks after a rail accident wounded about 200 people and prompted a closure and safety
review of the six-month-old system.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit conducted a final inspection of the trains before they rolled out to take thousands of rush-hour commuters along the 20-kilometre (12-mile) network.
"I'm happy the subway has reopened for the first day of service since the accident and that the public has returned to use it at nearly the same level as before the accident," the minister told reporters.
"I expect within two to three days the (number of commuters) will return to normal."
Officials shut down the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) subway after empty carriages rolled into another train packed with some 700 commuters on January 17.
Two subway control room operators who wrongly ordered an automatic brake unlocked, as well as two drivers who carried out the order, have been charged with negligence causing serious injury to others.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra demanded stringent retraining for staff to avert future accidents. On Monday he and dozens of top officials including Suriya took a test ride on the
trains and he proclaimed the mass transit system safe.
The 3.5-billion-dollar subway, which opened in July, was struggling to attract passengers and had offered discounted fares.
