BANGKOK |
| Thailand |
System | ||
| The present Bangkok mass transit system comprises two different types of metros: 1) the elevated BTS system, the so-called Skytrain -rot fai fah in Thai, and 2) the underground MRT subway. Although BTS and MRT use similar technology (trains, signalling & train control), there is no track connection between them. All MRT stations are equipped with platform-screen-doors, which does not apply to any BTS station. Besides the mass transit rail systems, Water Buses provide a fast transport service on the Chao Phraya River; at present, transfer to the BTS system is only possible at Saphan Taksin station. | ||
| Green Lines (BTS-Skytrain) | ||
| This is a completely elevated system built by Siemens as a turnkey project, opened in 1999, initially 23 km long with 23 stations, and finally extended for the first time in 2009. The BTS system consists of two lines: the Sukhumvit Line (16.8 km) and the Silom Line (8.5 km). Track gauge is 1435 mm and power supply is via third rail at 750 V DC. 3-car trains are 65 m long (a fourth car being added to all trains between 2012 and 2013), air-conditioned and run at an average speed of 35 kph. Saphan Taksin station on the Silom Line was only planned as a temporary station, but as it offers an excellent connection to the Water Buses on Chao Phraya River, it remains open after the extension to Wongwian Yai, although the single-track section at Saphan Taksin station limits the capacity on the Silom Line. The elevated Green Line depot is connected to Mo Chit station.     Photos © Neil Madhvani | ||
| Blue Line (MRTA) | ||
| In August 1997 construction work began on this 21 km underground full metro with 18 stations; it finally opened for trial service in April 2004. In December 2001, Siemens was awarded the contract to build 19 three-car trains for this line and to provide the necessary operating equipment. A 1-station extension from Bang Sue to Tao Pun is planned to create an interchange with the future Purple Line; the Blue Line would be on surface at Tao Pun station. The standard Blue Line station has an island platform on level -3. Sam Yan, Silom and Lumphini stations have side platforms on different levels, each with trains to Bang Sue on level -2, and trains to Hua Lamphong on level -4, whereas Bang Sue and Khlong Toei stations have two side platforms on the same level. Thailand Cultural Centre is much bigger than other comparable stations: the Blue Line stops on level -3, while level -2 is prepared to accommodate the Orange Line in the future. The surface Blue Line depot is connected directly to both Thailand Cultural Centre and Phra Ram 9 stations. A track connection between Blue and Orange Lines will be made via this depot.      Phetchaburi station © Neil Madhvani | ||
| City Line & Airport Rail Link | ||
| 28 km elevated line with 8 stations, standard gauge, from Phrayat Thai via Makkasan/City-Terminal to Suvarnabhumi Airport), every 15 minutes, shared with special non-stop airport express which departs from Makkasan/City-Terminal, opened for commercial operation on 23 August 2010. | ||
History | ||
05 Dec 1999 - BTS network - Sukhumvit Line Mo Chit - On Nut - Silom Line National Stadium - Saphan Taksin 13 April 2004 - Blue Line trial service 03 July 2004 - Blue Line Bang Sue - Hua Lampong (normal revenue service) 15 May 2009 - Silom Line Saphan Taksin - Wong Wian Yai 23 Aug 2010 - City Line & Airport Rail Link | ||
Projects | ||
BTS Light Green Line (Sukhumvit)East:1) On Nut Station to Bearing, 5.25 km (E10-E14) (construction started in 2007, opening Aug 2011) 2) Bearing to Samut Prakan, 13 km 9 stations (E15-E23) (Planned), North:1) Mo Chit station to Saphan Mai, 11.4 km 11 stations (N9 – N20)2) Saphan Mai to Lam Lukka, 14 km 9 stations (N21-N28), (Planned) Dark Green Line (Silom) South: 1) Wong Wian Yai to Bang Wa (Phetkasem road), 5.3 km - 4 stations (S9 - S12) only to be built as the viaduct is already completed(Construction started end of 2010, opening early 2013) SRT: Suburban Rail System (elevated, 1000 mm gauge): 1) Bang Sue - Taling Chan (narrow gauge): 5 stations, 15 km. Construction commenced early 20092) Bang Sue - Rangsit (narrow gauge): 8 stations, 26 km. MRTA: 1) Purple Line (Tao Pun - Phra Nangklao - Bang Yai): 16 stations, 23km. Construction started early 2010. 2) Blue Line extension (Ring Line): a) Tao Pun - Tha Phra - Lak Song, elevated 21.5km. b) (Hua Lamphong - Sanam Chai - Tha Phra) , underground, 4 stations, 5.4km. c) (Bangsue - Taopoon)1 station, 1.2 km underground extension to connect with the Purple Line. See detailed diagram and map for more details. | ||
Photos | ||
Practical Info | ||
| The Thai capital has some 5.5 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area (1992) - OPERATION 06:00 - 24:00, every 7 minutes, with extra trains during peak hours.     Photos © Neil Madhvani - FARES BTS (Green Lines): Single fare between 15 and 40 baht, depending on distance, paid with BTS SKY SmartPass 1-Day Tourist Pass - 120 baht MRT (Blue Line): Single fare 16-41 baht, depending on distance travelled. Stored Value Card available, offering discounts. 1-Day Tourist Pass - 120 baht | ||
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