Bkk BRT

[The Enforcer!]

I thought we had a section for BRT but I cannot find it?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

NOT Yet, wait unit the first 2 BKK BRT Lines (Surawognse - Bangkok Bridge, Nawamin - Kaset - Mochit) are OPENED for public

BTW, You could see the glimsp of BRT Here :

BRT Article @ Skyscrapercity (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=156531)

[admin]

it's here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/busways.shtml

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by admin
it's here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/busways.shtml
Sorry, I meant a Forum section?

I wanted tocheck routing especially as the routes published in theNation last week are so at odds with official annoucements.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

I see from today's Bangkok Post that the OTP is usurping BMA (again) and published its own list of BRT lines ....

Bang Khae-Rangsit
NBIA-Don Muang
MMT-Samut Prakarn
Suvinthawong-Talin Chan
Ram lntra Km8-Phetkasem
Phra Samut Jedi-Siam Square
SBT-Ekkamai
Rama ll-Ram lntra
Rangsit-Chatuchak

Seems a load of rubbish to me.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

NOT Yet, wait unit the first 2 BKK BRT Lines (Surawognse - Bangkok Bridge, Nawamin - Kaset - Mochit) are OPENED for public

BTW, You could see the glimsp of BRT Here :

BRT Article @ Skyscrapercity (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=156531)
Really think we need a BRT section on Forum - after all we had a MRT section before it opened.

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

Yes, admin. Own BRT sub-forum pls.

[Yappofloyd]

FYI

Jakarta, which has worse traffic problems than BKK (yes , it is possible!), introduced a BRT last year after much delay.

I found some interesting pics on skyscraper forum of the first Line. The BRT route mainly follows the Jalan Thammin corridor thru the centre of the city from Blok M (a shopping centre with a big bus interchange) in the south to Kota in the north (the old city , Dutch towards the water)

Take a look , http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=177848. Of course BKK will use articulated buses which perhaps Jakarta should also have.

Interestingly, the operators are using GPS tracking for all the buses which is becoming more common it seems.

A uses has prepared a map of the proposed intial system which also includes the two mono-rail lines being constructed; http://img225.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img225&image=peta6dn.jpg.

[jpatokal]

A uses has prepared a map of the proposed intial system which also includes the two mono-rail lines being constructed; http://img225.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img225&image=peta6dn.jpg.
Is it actually being constructed now? I thought it was still tangled up in bureaucracy like all things Indonesian... :(

[Yappofloyd]

Is it actually being constructed now? I thought it was still tangled up in bureaucracy like all things Indonesian... :(

Yes, Indo bureacracy makes Thai bureacracy seem like a smooth, efficient process! However, as you'll see on the forum, the JKT monorail construction has run into problems. Also, see http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=3354143#post3354143.

BRT Line 1 opened early last year (I think late Jan/early Feb) and I understand that Line 2 is under const.

I didn't get to ride it when I was last in Jakarta last Nov but next time...

[pong]

(=sudah buka) last year, with a week of free fares: now that attracted 100.000s of riders, as Indo's are far more as Thai atracted to tida'k bayaran"= aka free.
BKK does have a half sided BRT: along the Lard Prao road, INbound, only used in the morning peaks, FROM bang kapi toward the Central LardPrao/near Chatuchak park. used y routes 44,8,137,126,134koh, 514, 502 and many more

[Yappofloyd]

BKK does have a half sided BRT: along the Lard Prao road, INbound, only used in the morning peaks, FROM bang kapi toward the Central LardPrao/near Chatuchak park. used y routes 44,8,137,126,134koh, 514, 502 and many more

Permisi pak pong tapi saya tidak mergerti, 'a half sided BRT'?

I was in the UN library the other day and by chance came across a very lengthy article on the merits BRT systems in Sustainable Transport magazine which is published by the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy.

You can download the article from Issue 15, http://www.itdp.org/ST/index.html. There is also some good publications for policy makers at http://www.itdp.org/pub.html.

The site is very slow at times.

It is good NGO, community lobbyist based work and policy.

Perhaps we should pitch in and buy some for the policy makers in Bangkok but I am sure that the Thai NGOs and social activists have probably already provide this type of material many times....

Admin, think we still need a sub-forum for BRT.

[The Enforcer!]

As this isdue to open in just over 7 months - what stage are they at?

Design? Ready to build?

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

Khun Enforcer,

There was an Post article (http://archives.mybangkokpost.com/bkkarchives/frontstore/news_detail.html?aid=163358&textcat=General%20News) on 1st which said that construction is still on time to start in April but not sure if construction bids have been awarded (I think not).

Given the specs of the BRT with platforms, booths and ped. bridges (see Wisaruts tran.s of Matichon & Dailynews art.s 09 & 11 Feb here (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/MassTransit/busways.shtml) ) I find it hard to see how all this will be completed by Oct. esp. as wet season will mean loss of time/days.

Also, Gov. Apirak and BMA better have a good PR campaign ready to go when construction commences and drivers realise that a lane of road is being 'lost' as congestion will obviously only get worse and howls of derision by drivers will be heard far and wide. Apirak will get bombarded with complaints on the radio show and BMA offices also esp. if construction is delayed. So I hope he/BMA have a good strategy for countering such anger.

Esp. for Kaset Line on Th. Phahon Yothin which is a 'dogs breakfast' at peak hour and all day outside the shopping areas (Central, Major, Foodland etc).

[The Enforcer!]

Thanks Yappofloyd,

Was looking down Narathiwat the other evening and was wondering where are all these passenger going to come from?

Neither Narathiwat nor Rama III are heavily populated?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Khun Enforcer,

People who live around Thung Mahamek area (Soi Suan Ploo, Thanon Nang Linchee, Chan, Wat Phomaen) and Sathupradit are the main customer ofr that Rama III section of BRT ... they are hidden from the scene though ,... but I can testify that ther are a lot of them .... since I have seen by my own eyes

[The Enforcer!]

Khun Enforcer,

People who live around Thung Mahamek area (Soi Suan Ploo, Thanon Nang Linchee, Chan, Wat Phomaen) and Sathupradit are the main customer ofr that Rama III section of BRT ... they are hidden from the scene though ,... but I can testify that ther are a lot of them .... since I have seen by my own eyes
Cannot really agree with this. Suan Phlu is nowhere near Rama III nor Narathiwat. Nang Linchi junction with Rama III is not on the BRT roure, and the rest of its length is 1km parallel south, thus quite a walk to get to Rama III. Th. Chan, and Sathupradit okay but again their populated areas are well away from Narathiwat/Rama III!

I cannot see it working at all.

The Enforcer!

[admin]

Does anyone know who this person can contact???

A reader writes: I would like to know more about BMA's BRT plan introduced in the article from Dailynews, February 9, 2005 on your busways page
(http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/busways.shtml).

I am a public administration student at Harvard University, and now looking for information on the BRT plan. Specifically I would like to get reports on feasibility study of the 2 BRT lines which the BMT announced to seek rapid open. ((1)Km8 (Charakhe Bua)-Nawamin-Kaset-Mochit(19.5km), and (2)Chong
Nonsee-Rama3-Bangkok Bridge-Ratchapruiek(16.5km)) According to the article, the study was conducted by PCI(Thailand) Co. Ltd. and AEC Co. Ltd. on the commission of BMA.

If you know, I would really appreciate it if you could introduce me a proper person to contact on this matter.

[jerryfin]

From the opening of the Skytrain untill 2003, they had a dedicated bus lane in the fast lane of Narathiwat(used mostly by bus 162 and 77). The pedestrian bridges with ramps at the fast lanes are evidence of this. For some reason(presumably to give cars an extra lane) they removed the lane divide curbs and scrapped the bus lane all except for the short stretch between Sathorn and Silom.

Upon completion of the junction overpasses on Rama 3 in the next few months, there won't be room or a need for a dedicated bus lane on Rama 3 in my opinion.
While I travel regularly from Sathorn to Rama 3 along Narathiwat, there is not an abundance of others who do....but if the transition from Narathiwat to Rama 3 was smoother(no bus change), they may attract additional passengers from Silom who currently travel via Charoen Krung to get to Thanon Tok(Bangkok Bridge at the endof Rama 3) and Thonburi.

[The Enforcer!]

From the opening of the Skytrain untill 2003, they had a dedicated bus lane in the fast lane of Narathiwat(used mostly by bus 162 and 77). The pedestrian bridges with ramps at the fast lanes are evidence of this. For some reason(presumably to give cars an extra lane) they removed the lane divide curbs and scrapped the bus lane all except for the short stretch between Sathorn and Silom.

Upon completion of the junction overpasses on Rama 3 in the next few months, there won't be room or a need for a dedicated bus lane on Rama 3 in my opinion.
While I travel regularly from Sathorn to Rama 3 along Narathiwat, there is not an abundance of others who do....but if the transition from Narathiwat to Rama 3 was smoother(no bus change), they may attract additional passengers from Silom who currently travel via Charoen Krung to get to Thanon Tok(Bangkok Bridge at the endof Rama 3) and Thonburi.
The only bus lane was rarely used by passenger as witnessed by the lack of frequency of routes 77 and 162, and no route went from one end to the other (sadly!).

Parts are still present (the U-turn coming from Rama III at Sathorn, for example, and most is gone. If this was rebuilt, as seem sto be the plan, I wonder how cars will U-Turn along Narathiwat? At present there are only three such turns.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

It was report in yesterday's press that as consultants want to extend both BRT lines they will be delayed.

Anyone have the details on this?

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

It was report in yesterday's press that as consultants want to extend both BRT lines they will be delayed.
Anyone have the details on this?
The Enforcer!
Khun Enforcer, personally I am not surprised by the annouced delay in Fri's post article (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/25Mar2005_news18.php) but I think the reason given is probably spurious. After all if most of the design is finished, as it was meant to be by end of March, then route extensions do not alter the main part of the project just add to it. The October opening was always looking hopeful and given the current unrelated construstion of 3/4 flyovers on Rama III it may be difficult to commence BRT construction on that route until they are finished (which I understand is meant to be May from a POst article last week). BMA will probably come out with a new construction timetable soon which delays partial opening until Dec. Though, I am only guessing here.

[The Enforcer!]

Thanks - seems strange to me that one delays an unstarted project because of extensions!

Unfortunately the data (length and number of stations) is at odds between various sources.

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Well, the longer BRT route require additional survey since Rama 3 Route has to go acoross Chao Phraya while the otehr rotue will reach Nawamin Intersection (Km 8 of Ram Indra Road)

[The Enforcer!]

Well, the longer BRT route require additional survey since Rama 3 Route has to go acoross Chao Phraya while the otehr rotue will reach Nawamin Intersection (Km 8 of Ram Indra Road)
This is where I am getting confused.

These two 'extensions' were announced weeks/months ago yet it is only in the past few days that these are being spoken of as causing delays!

The other confusion is that some sources say the Rama III one will run from Chong Nonsi only (u-turming at Silom) an dothers say al the way to Suriwongse, U-turning there. Any ideas which?

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

^ Khun Enforcer, I don't know but I am guessing that it may terminate just adter Silom and then proceed further up before taking the u-turn bay which is, from memory, about 30-40 metres before Th. Suriwong? This could make some sense but obviously most of the current plans rarely do.

I agree with you that the exts are only being used as an excuse for delay which was most likely anyway. Obfuscation I think is the most appropriate word in such matters.

Wait for the fun when construction starts on Th. Phahon Yothin!

[The Enforcer!]

[QUOTE=YappofloydWait for the fun when construction starts on Th. Phahon Yothin![/QUOTE]
Thankfully I seldom travel "Up North" but I imgaine it will not be fun!


The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Now, BMTA got FUMED with Fury that BMA REFUSES to allow
BMTA to get a fair share on BRT due to the corruption within
BMTA. Furthermore, BMTA also asking BMTA to either reroute
or terminate the bus services alogn BRT routes.

BMTA Officers are also OUT of TOUCH with Bangkokians who suffer
from poor BMKTA bus services for too long by askign BMA about
the criteria which render BMTA very bad images.

[Wisarut]

Hi Everybody,

BMA has come up with BRT Website - You can take a look at here:
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/detail/brt.htm

Bigger BMA BRT network Map is here:
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/map/mapbig/mapbig.htm

[GWR]

Unfortunately, only in Thai. Thanks to Khun Wisaruth for this one in the BRT Thread. Slow-loading composite image:-
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/map/mapbig/mapbig.htm
Just a taster below. You'll have to follow the link if you want to see the whole project with its legend:-
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/map/mapbig/mapbrtbig_r4_c1.gif

[The Enforcer!]

Hi Everybody,

BMA has come up with BRT Website - You can take a look at here:
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/detail/brt.htm

Bigger BMA BRT network Map is here:
http://203.155.220.217/office/dotat/activity/BRT/map/mapbig/mapbig.htm
Dear Khun Wisarut,

These will not open.

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Khun Enforcer, I think your Internet Connection is down or so since I can open that BMA website on BRT stuffs .... :D

[Wisarut]

After BMT has ignited the Fury from BMTA by telling BMTA NOT ot meddle into BMA Affairs on BRT, The Member of BMA Council told the pres that he afraid that the BMA Pet project of BRT will be FOLDED ... due to many Irregularities such as :

1) Purchasing BRT buses instead of leasing the BRT buses - a big source of Curruption and Collusion .... leasign will leave the burden on the maintianance to the producers and suppliers instead of BMA.

2) NO Feeder system for BRT to increase the number of passengers

3) The Feuds with BMTA on BRT issues will render BRT systrem useless ..
BMA beter hire either BTS, BMTA or BMCL to handle this BRT services instead.

The BMA Board REFUSE to answer the BRT issues raised by BMA Council ... The indication of Corruption and Collusion indeed ...

[The Enforcer!]

Khun Enforcer, I think your Internet Connection is down or so since I can open that BMA website on BRT stuffs .... :D
Their working this afternoon!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Initially the terminal of Mochit BRT line wil be at Nawamin Road near FBT anf Patthamawikorn village ... Later on they aree tryign to extend to Km 8 (Ram Indra Road) ... and Now, the BMA EVEN ask BMA to extend the line into Fashion Island !!!!!

For the case of Rama 3 BRT line, it has to be ecxtended across Chao Prhaya to Talad Ploo Station of mae Klong Railway ...

[Yappofloyd]

It was report in yesterday's press that as consultants want to extend both BRT lines they will be delayed.
Anyone have the details on this?
The Enforcer!

Khun Enforcer, it is hard for me to keep up with the forum these days as I am posted to Sudan for a while, however, I had the sense of dejavu seeing your post as I think it is similar to your query about a month ago (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=681&page=1&pp=15)(post 7 & 8). Anyway, perhaps not surprising as such big project planning/determination processes in thailand always appear to have an element of issues/delays occuring in a confused, cyclical manner.

[Yappofloyd]

Khun Wisarut has already posted the links to the BRT website on 20/04 however for those having any difficulty in accessing can try the skyscrapercity (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=3924019#post3924019) thread where he has posted the maps.

Good to see on the forum that BMA, BMTA and OTP are working in coordinated harmony to ensure the success of important transport projects and thus rising above the usual inter-agency rivalry and pettiness!

[The Enforcer!]

Good to see on the forum that BMA, BMTA and OTP are working in coordinated harmony to ensure the success of important transport projects and thus rising above the usual inter-agency rivalry and pettiness!
I hope sincerely that these factors will help people realise that BRT is NOT a viable alternative to investment in Mass Transit railways!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Khun Enforcer, it is hard for me to keep up with the forum these days as I am posted to Sudan for a while, however, I had the sense of dejavu seeing your post as I think it is similar to your query about a month ago (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=681&page=1&pp=15)(post 7 & 8). Anyway, perhaps not surprising as such big project planning/determination processes in thailand always appear to have an element of issues/delays occuring in a confused, cyclical manner.
Thanks and noted!

I think the underlying factor of all of this is POLITICS!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

I hope sincerely that these factors will help people realise that BRT is NOT a viable alternative to investment in Mass Transit railways!

The Enforcer!
Further proof comes from our dear friend The Weather!


One heavy shower and half of Bangkok's roads are blocked. This surely means that the BRT will only operate outside of he Monsoon season?

The Enforcer! [@500 I believe!!]

[Wisarut]

ANd Ai Derachan Somkid (Bastard Somkhit of MOF) is askign the goverent to downgrade bangyai line into BRT whihc sooner or later the burnign effigies of Minister Somkid will be on display in front of Ministry of FInance.

[Wisarut]

Well, Another Delay due to the inconclusive TOR - lease vs.buy Euro 3 Diesel Engine vs. NGV Engine. The constructionof Tunnel at Kaset intersection has complicated the BRT construction so the construction of BRTcannot takeoff ...better wait until Decmebr 2005 to see ... :(

[The Enforcer!]

I see that the BRT is now delayed to March 2006.

Shall we have a sweepstake on which opens first ... the Airport or the BRT?

The Enforcer!

[Zoowatch]

i think the airport will open (for commercial service) first

BRT haven't even started its construction
and when it's complete
there are still test-runs to do

[Yappofloyd]

I see that the BRT is now delayed to March 2006.
Shall we have a sweepstake on which opens first ... the Airport or the BRT?
The Enforcer!
Well one could be overly cynical and suggest that a very fast train from BKK to Rangoon will commence service before the airport or BRT........but that it going a bit overboard. I agree with Khun Zoowatch that the airport will open but with further delay and unfortunately due to rushed construction some likely problems will undermine the integrity of the design. I wouldn't be surprised if this date blows out further to late 2006/early 2007.

BRT hitting another hurdle - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Dailynews, June 8, 2005
[As 2Bangkok.com has mentioned for some time, do not expect BRT lines any time soon.]
BMA said the first two lines of BRT projects have to be delayed to March 2006 but may have another delay due to the Joint Venture Act of BE 2535 which is quite a tough law to get around. BMA has no experience in running a bus service. BMA could only purchase BRT buses and construct the tracks while BMA and the private companies may have to pass the environmental assessment and get cabinet approval--even the Samrong and Taksin Skytrain extensions have been delayed by the cabinet due to political vendettas.
BMA may have ask Krungthep Thanakhom (State Enterprise of BMA) to run BRT without a private joint venture, but Krungthep Thanakhom has no experience running a bus service--so it may have to hire BMTA, BRT or BMCL and Microbus to run the system without sharing.
Khun Wisarut, would like to know a bit more about the restrictions applicable in the Joint Venture Act which are said to delay the BRT further? Is this more smokescreen for rushed and poor planning?

Many of us suggested some time ago that the original timeframe was unlikely but it really does seem to be blowing out somewhat. Perhaps late 2006?

[Wisarut]

That Jioint Venture Act is to screen out the rushed and poor planning investment ?

Err, even before openign the service, BMA has to raise the BRT ticket price from
10-18 Baht to 14-22 baht sicne they decidee to use Euro 3 Deisel Engines ... Fuel hike
is the cause tpo baklem for this matter. :D :p

[Yappofloyd]

There are a few interesting photos (Th. Phahon Yothin) with the proposed BRT lanes highlighted in an article posted by Khun Chad on a skyscraper thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=4726279#post4726279) (post #29).

It gives a good indication of how much space will be used by the BRT. This will undoubtedly cause initial chaos and outrage by motorists during construction but should ultimately, hopefully, encourage many to switch from car to BRT.

[Yappofloyd]

5 billion baht for four new routes.....do we know which routes exactly as I am still a bit unsure as to what is the final routes given the previous BMA masterplan and OTP masterplan?
BMA to raise B15bn for major infrastructure projects (BKK Post, 18/07/05)
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is raising 15 billion baht through a bond issue and mobilisation of public funds to finance three major projects, two of them infrastructural improvements. Panich Vikitset, the Bangkok deputy governor, said the Kasikornbank would be hired as a consultant and planner for the investment.

Five billion baht would be spent building four more Bus Rapid Transit routes, branching out from the existing Mor Chit-Kilometre 8 and Rama II Road-Ratchapruek Road routes. The second project, costing five billion baht, would involve construction of a waste water treatment facility at Klong Toey.

The BMA would issue bonds to obtain funding for the two projects which were likely to attract public interest since they would solve traffic and environmental problems. The bonds would likely be issued in October, the deputy governor said. He said, however, the bonds deemed to increase the public debt would need government consideration. Kasikornbank would study the viability of each project.
Note: Article edited.

[Wisarut]

Khun Yappofloyd,

Well, I just think that it must be the extensions to the followign places:

1) for Mochit - Nawamin Line -> heading from Mochit Station to Mochit 2 Bus terminal and Minburi
2) for Ratcharuek line -> Heading to Kanchanaphisek Outer ringroad via
Kalapraapruek Road and Tha Phra viaRatchadaphisek road ....

[The Enforcer!]

Anyone any updates?

Can't see any building works yet.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

all the ones I saw have large blue boxes on one of the support pillars.
Arghh ... so that is where I parked the TARDIS!

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

How do I find a map of OTP's BRT routes?

Or was it "vapour" routes just to deter people from Governor Apirak's work?

??

[Yappofloyd]

3 interesting things in this artcle. Firstly, that TNA is highlighting BMA BRT plans given the competing OTP plans. Secondly, that BMA is going to visit Australia to see a BRT, probably in Adelaide or Brisbane, as opposed to Jakarta which would be more appropiate as similar issues to Bangkok.

Thirdly, is the ongoing use of language by media outlets when it somes to decribing mass transit options. Here we have the highly technical description of BRT being characterised as "wheel-based". I don't know what else TNA expects buses to run on? Perhaps a maglev bus is on the way! :rolleyes:

BMA to launch first BRT routes this year
BANGKOK, Sept 1 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will launch the city's first speed bus service under the so-called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) within this year, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin announced on Wednesday.

Construction of the BMA's first two BRT routes--the 19.5 km Kaset-Nawamintr-Mo Chit Route and the 16.5 km Chong Nonsi-Ratchapruk Route--would begin this year, possibly in November, and was expected to be completed within one and a half years, said Mr. Apirak. "The development of the two first BRT routes, the first with 18 stations and the second with 15 stations, will cost the city around Bt 2.80 billion, or Bt 80 million per kilometre--a reasonable budget," he told TNA.

Bidding from private firms being interested to be the project's system manager would be opened on September 9, and the city would sign a contract with the winner by November, he disclosed. Sixty-four rented buses would be used to serve the public under the city's speed bus service, he noted. Mr. Apirak said he had assigned one of his deputies, Mr. Samart Ratchapolsitte, to pay a visit to Australia to study a BRT model there to be applied to the city's BRT project. The BMA will begin its construction of the other three more BRT routes--the Praditmanudharm-Sukhumvit, the outer ring-Bang Yai-Thonburi Pak To and the On-nuj-Lat Krabang-Suvarnabhumi--next year.

The city's move followed a recent government decision to alter part of its extended subway routes to the BRT service to save construction budget.The BMA plans to develop a total of 12 BRT routes. The wheel-based 185 BRT project is expected to help ease the traffic congestion problem in the city and surrounding provinces in the future. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Pongsak Ruktapongpisal confirmed yesterday that the alteration of the two extended subway routes, known as the purple and the orange routes, would not affect the public's interest. "This is because the efficiency of the BRT and the subway services are comparable, with equal fares--starting from Bt 20-35--and transport capacity of at least 10,000 passengers per trip, but the development of BRT will take shorter time and cost less," he explained.

The transport minister said, however, that the government would later modify the BRT to the subway service when the speed bus service is launched for 5-10 years with increasing passengers, constituting a rational state investment.
Originally, the government planned to extend the subway's purple route from Bang Sue to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi Province on the outskirts of Bangkok and to Ratchaburana area in the Thonburi side of the city, and the orange route from Bangkapi to Samsen and Bang Bamru areas. The alteration of the routes will help save a state budget, from Bt 550 billion to Bt 340 billion, according to Mr. Kumropluk Suraswadi, a senior tranffic policy and management official.
The saved budget would be used to support the government's water crisis alleviation projects, he disclosed. (TNA)--E002

[jerryfin]

The new bus shelters along Lhad Phrao(one in front of Imperial, with a still-wrapped box attached to one pillar) are not always at the same area as the normal BMTA shelters. I counted 5 on Lhad Phrao. Now they are springing up along Narathiwat and Praram 3...but without the boxes yet. I am assuming the boxes are automatic ticket vendors or "Bus Coming" displays only.
There is so far one new shelter right at Chong Nonsi BTS station on the west side of the road. There is also another in front of SV City on Praram 3 Road.
I don't know how to attach pictures to posts...but if anyone would care to identify them, I will e-mail them a picture of the new shelters and attached boxes.

[The Enforcer!]

was expected to be completed within one and a half years, said Mr. Apirak
First it was opening October 2005, then May 2006 now May 2007?

It is becoming silly!

The Enforcer!

[jerryfin]

The new shelters at/near bus stops with the blue boxes are NOT bus stops. They are the new taxi-calling shelters. You press a button and the operator checks his GPS locator and tells you the registration number of the taxi that will come and pick you up. You then wait and take the taxi. I read about it in the Bangkok Post the other day. There is now one at Ratchada Phisek in front of Fortune Tower and most of the paper is removed from the box already and it shows a hole for a speaker and press button.

Now my question is, why would anyone, press a button and wait for a taxi at Ratchada when there are thousands of milling around there. Also what happens if the driver doesn't like the location you want to go to...do you then book again. What happens if some one else takes your taxi before you. How long do you need to wait before it becomes clear your designated taxi aint coming!

[ncr]

Now my question is, why would anyone, press a button and wait for a taxi at Ratchada when there are thousands of milling around there. Also what happens if the driver doesn't like the location you want to go to...do you then book again. What happens if some one else takes your taxi before you. How long do you need to wait before it becomes clear your designated taxi aint coming!Yeah, the logic behind that idea escapes me. As necessary as a hole in the head!

[ooddy]

Should the map be upgraded, now that the Purple Line and the Orange Line are in the process of converting to BRT?

Then, would BMA take over the soon-to-be BRT projects from MRTA?

It seems that BMA has done a lot of study and embarked on a lot of BRT programing and implementation.
They should be a logical agency to handle the whole BRT rather than MRTA; this would allow MRTA to get out of the quagmire, gracefully...

[Wisarut]

Now, MOTC has to change from BRTto eitehr Monorail or LRT after gettgn strong OPPOSITION from thsoe who lvie alogn Purple line and Orange Line. ;)

[ooddy]

then the cost benefit wouldn't be as stated. The LRT and Monorail would be the same as the orignially planned Purple Line rail system: 50billion bahts. So what's the point in changing.

Essentially, the Purple Line is similar to the BTS line. An elevagate rail line about 23 km. If the government will not save any money...as they are claiming...

[Hitesh]

i dont think monorails or lrts are favoured because of cost savings. theyre preferred because a new company can be formed to import the rolling stock that will have ridiculous profit margins. this company will be called shin trains.
just my 2 satang.

[ooddy]

If I read it right, as indicated in the Nation today, regarding the plan to change the Purple Line alignment to BangKae. A new plan is to build a Monorail from Bang Yai to Bang Kea.

If it doesn't connect to the Blue Line, it's going to be disaster. Regardless whether it's Monorail or BRT, or whatever. If there is no connectivity, it's a waste of money...a lot of money. Because it will not serve the purpose of getting commuters in the suberb to/and from Bangkok. And it will not improve the ridership of the Blue Line network at all.

The other point mentioned in the Nation is about the cost of building the tunnel for the Purple Line. There is only a small fraction of the tunnel to build for the Purple Line. Essentially, from the exsiting Blue Line Bang Sue station; the tunnel section is already built from Bang Sue Station up to the front of Siam Cement Company, and only a little transitional section to get from there to the planned elevated section of the Purple Line at Tao Poon.

So the cost of that transitional section is not significant for the whole Purple Line cost. It represents about 100million Baths which is less than 1/2 of one percent of the total cost of the Purple Line. Based on an estimated cost of 50billion bahts for a 23-km Purple Line.

So there is no logic behind the Minister of Communications argument, as stated in the Nation.

[ncr]

If I read it right, as indicated in the Nation today, regarding the plan to change the Purple Line alignment to BangKae. A new plan is to build a Monorail from Bang Yai to Bang Kea.Yes, but that's Bang Khen (northern part of BKK), not Bang Khae (southwestern part of BKK).

If it doesn't connect to the Blue Line, it's going to be disaster. Regardless whether it's Monorail or BRT, or whatever. If there is no connectivity, it's a waste of money...a lot of money. Because it will not serve the purpose of getting commuters in the suberb to/and from Bangkok. And it will not improve the ridership of the Blue Line network at all.It's a disaster anyway. But you're right, the connectivity is the main point here. We're talking about creating a network after all (something that OTP doesn't seem to understand). The biggest idiocy is the omission of the Orange Line. It would have intersected with Blue Line (twice), Red Line and Purple Line. It should have got top priority from the beginning, before the linear extension of the Blue Line (as Purple Line) to Bang Yai. (The second best option would have been to start the extension in the other direction, from Hualamphong to the Thonburi side.) Not enough demand for the Orange Line??? Do you know the traffic jams in Ramkamhaeng? If you scrap that line, you might as well scrap the whole system. How will the existing Blue Line ever get more passengers if it doesn't become part of a network? And apparently in their economical viability analysis (which is not appropriate for a mass transit system anyway) they examined all the lines separately, without taking into consideration the traffic increasing effects they would have on each other. Those are serious flaws in planning and thinking. Unfortunately, as we all know, we don't simply have to assume incompetence, but ulterior motives, as usual. *outraged* :mad:

The other point mentioned in the Nation is about the cost of building the tunnel for the Purple Line. There is only a small fraction of the tunnel to build for the Purple Line. Essentially, from the exsiting Blue Line Bang Sue station; the tunnel section is already built from Bang Sue Station up to the front of Siam Cement Company, and only a little transitional section to get from there to the planned elevated section of the Purple Line at Tao Poon.I think they were referring to the demands by those Tao Poon residents to make the first 4 stations of the extension (up to the Nonthaburi provincial border) underground, not only that transitional section right after Bang Sue.

[Wisarut]

Now, Governor Abhirak has renamed BMA BRT as "Bangkok Smartway" ... to erase the BAD images of BRT .... :cool: :p :D :) :rolleyes:

[The Enforcer!]

Now, Governor Abhirak has renamed BMA BRT as "Bangkok Smartway" ... to erase the BAD images of BRT .... :cool: :p :D :) :rolleyes:
...a rose by any other name ....

The Enforcer!

[Ganyc]

Halo,

is BRT accessible and cheap in Bangkok ? The lanes for BRT in Bangkok and Jakarta look like tracks. When i was in Jakarta, i find it difficult to board a BRT. Only taxi is the most convenient way to get around Jakarta. I hope BRT is accessible readily in Bangkok. When will it complete construction ?

[jpatokal]

I hope BRT is accessible readily in Bangkok. When will it complete construction ?
We're still waiting for it to start construction. :(

And what do you mean by BRT being poorly accessible? The overhead bridges used to reach the stations?

[Ganyc]

The roads of Bangkok are already narrow. Is Bangkok going to widen the roads to accommodate BRT ? Or is the BRT located outside Bangkok city centre ?

The BRT in Jakarta is hardly accessible and it doesn't solve the traffic woes of Jakarta.

[The Enforcer!]

The BRT in Jakarta is hardly accessible and it doesn't solve the traffic woes of Jakarta.
I hate to keep repeating myself but BRT is not a mass transport solution merely a cheap way of "looking" like you are trying to solve the problem.

The Enforcer!

[jpatokal]

The BRT in Jakarta is hardly accessible and it doesn't solve the traffic woes of Jakarta.
Do you understand English? :confused: Why is the Jakarta BRT is not "accessible"? The route goes smack dab through one of the most congested corridors in town (Kuta-Monas-Bunderan HI-Karet-Blok M) and the central stations are connected by overhead bridges. The major problem with it is simply that there aren't enough lines in the network, but this will -- hopefully -- be fixed (or at least improved) by the end of the year when lines 2 & 3 come online. And someday, when DKI Jakarta wins the lottery, they plan to replace BRT 1 with a full-fledged underground metro.

I'm not a great lover of BRT systems, but in Jakarta I think it's the only thing that can be implemented fast to at least attempt to create some functional public transport, and I applaud Governor Sutiyoso for getting it done. Now if only they could sort out the sorry monorail mess... :mad:

[The Enforcer!]

and the central stations are connected by overhead bridges

That makes them 'inaccessible' to me, anyway.

The Enforcer!

[jpatokal]

That makes them 'inaccessible' to me, anyway.
Not necessarily -- in a most un-Indonesian feature, the bridges are all accessible by wheelchair-friendly ramps.

[Hitesh]

That makes them 'inaccessible' to me, anyway.

The Enforcer!
how is that any different from the bts stairs?

[The Enforcer!]

how is that any different from the bts stairs?
It isn;t - which is why I seldom (if ever) use the BTS and when I do I use the lift!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

BRT Bidding Postponed Indefinitely due to the RedTape with land Transportation
BMA Still Confident that BRT willbe openedon August 9, 2006

Manager Daily - Oct 11, 2005

ITD, STECON, and Unique Engineering have submitted the bidding for both lines of BRT (BKk Smart Ways). However, BMA got stuck with the Licenses to run the services despite or the claims form BMATraffic Bureau who feel confident that BKk Smartwaywill be ready for test run in June 2006 and opened for services on August 9,2006.

The glitch is due to the fact that the cabinate reolution has grant BMTA Monopoly on the Bus routes inBKK and Vincinities, so Krungthep Thanakhom and BMA are NOT allowed to run BRT services whcih is considred as a buses. BMA would have to ask for exemption from the government ... which is REALLY hard if NOt possible to do so despiute fo the fact that Land Transportation has grant the permission for BMAto run BRT services.


Note: Now, BMA would feel very OUTRAGE that TRT have stabbed theri back AGAIN by lulling with Land Transportation's License and then stab theri back later by usign the Bureaucraticism ... form the BMTA Monopoly

[The Enforcer!]

Now, BMA would feel very OUTRAGE that TRT have stabbed theri back AGAIN by lulling with Land Transportation's License and then stab theri back later by usign the Bureaucraticism ... form the BMTA Monopoly
Welcome to the real world.

After all TRT stands for Thai Rot Thit!

The Enforcer!

[TGunner]

This could be a blessing in disguise though if the BRT projects are all scraped together. I mean I wasn't that thrilled with BRT in the first place. The city will keep growing...and I'm not sure if BRT would be able to keep up with demand in the future.

[SolidMercury]

This could be a blessing in disguise though if the BRT projects are all scraped together. I mean I wasn't that thrilled with BRT in the first place. The city will keep growing...and I'm not sure if BRT would be able to keep up with demand in the future.
BRT is Mass Transit - depending on what "Mass" is defined as. I wouldn't agree that its useless, but looking at Bangkok's urban structure, one would soon come to believe that there is little applicability along the trunk routes of the city. They need rail mass transit with capacities of 20,000 pax/hr/direction and more.

The challenge with BRT that none of the parties involved seems to come to terms with is that piece of sophisticated management that is required to actually add capacity to the road where BRT is implemented. The bus has to bring - in practice, not on paper - more passenger throughput than the lane it has taken away from private cars. In Kunming/China, it took a good two years before that was achieved. Critical aspects: the existence of a network of public transit, strict enforcement of traffic rules, incl. parking, and the provision of priority to buses. None of these three can be seen in Bangkok.

Now we are talking about Rama III as the BRT route: The new flyovers build there are the antipode to BRT: The BRT has to stay down to serve the junctions, but there are only two lanes left for cars and buses. Down there, there is one lane for left-turns and one for right and U-turns. Can anyone tell me where the BRT is supposed to be?

I can't help it: It really is the best idea to scrap the subject altogether.

[TGunner]

BRT is Mass Transit - depending on what "Mass" is defined as. I wouldn't agree that its useless, but looking at Bangkok's urban structure, one would soon come to believe that there is little applicability along the trunk routes of the city. They need rail mass transit with capacities of 20,000 pax/hr/direction and more.

The challenge with BRT that none of the parties involved seems to come to terms with is that piece of sophisticated management that is required to actually add capacity to the road where BRT is implemented. The bus has to bring - in practice, not on paper - more passenger throughput than the lane it has taken away from private cars. In Kunming/China, it took a good two years before that was achieved. Critical aspects: the existence of a network of public transit, strict enforcement of traffic rules, incl. parking, and the provision of priority to buses. None of these three can be seen in Bangkok.

Now we are talking about Rama III as the BRT route: The new flyovers build there are the antipode to BRT: The BRT has to stay down to serve the junctions, but there are only two lanes left for cars and buses. Down there, there is one lane for left-turns and one for right and U-turns. Can anyone tell me where the BRT is supposed to be?

I can't help it: It really is the best idea to scrap the subject altogether.

A lot of good points K. SolidMercury. Now let's hope that BRT will never ever materialize.

[The Enforcer!]

A lot of good points K. SolidMercury. Now let's hope that BRT will never ever materialize.
Amen to that!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

BMA Investing on BKK Smart Ways
Thairath - ocotber 25, 2005
Dailynews - ocotber 25, 2005

The Budget for BKK Smart way by Krungthep Thanakhom for the first 2 routes
[Mochit - Nawamin - Ramindra km 8, Chong Nonsee - Rajapruek] is 2.298 billion Baht.

1) Before the actual Services [october 2005 - June 2006] 0.0872 billion Baht
2) After the actual Services [July 2006 - July 2011] 2.2109 billion Baht

Krungthep Thanakhom woudl run the advertising deal on the stations and buses
in addition to collecting the tickets while Krungthep Thanakhom would pay 10% of
revenue to BMA

There will be 463 officers for BKK Smart way while they woudl spedn 27.28 million Baht on
PR and Marketing to boost the Image of the project whcihwillbe allocated as follows:

14.94 million Baht for TV Commercials, Radio Commercials, Magazine Commercials, Advertising Signs
Phamplets, and Websites

1.5 million Baht for Opengin the Projedt

4.5 million Baht for community & education institute participations

There will be 18.40 million Baht/month for salary whihccanbe allocated as follows

120,000 Baht for the general manager
18,000 baht for secetaraite
85,000 Baht for opratign manager
18,000 Baht for each BRT driver
10,000 Baht for each Security Guard
85,000 Baht for PR Manager
30,000 Baht for Financial Director
8,500 Baht for each maid and janitors
10,000 Baht for each telephone operator

15.7 million Baht for Bureau expenses

11.44 million Baht/month for analysis and plans whcih can be allocated as follows
250,000 Baht for the Expert manager
1,800,000 Baht for foreign personnels
7,300,000 Baht for fuel and tstign
6,270,000 Baht for Administration
791,800 Baht for erecting the directing signs and fare collecting.

After Opening, the expense will be allocated as follows:

1) Buildign Maintianace 342.64 million Baht
2) constant expenses suchas salary of 1118.45 million Baht
3) various expenses suchas fuel, tickets, marketing and PR of 749.84 million Baht

The Personnel expense is the greatest expense, esp the consultant expenses.

Now, BMATraffic Bureau has hired PCI to be the project consultant.

[pong]

now I Do remember old JKT [nd speak Bahasa) from the days when there were:
1.inaccessible Double deck buses, coming from the Uk though. Also EXACT fare was needed, and this was always a sum that was not easy to get together.
2.older buses, with 3 mans: as there were No electric doors: 2 were for opening them, and in an un_indonesian efficiency, also collected fares. Jusdt 1 slight problem: due to many floodings, door access was so high that even nowadays ramps are better!
3.and I also still have at home 1 of those nice Indones. popsongs (called dangdut, their equiv. of look toong) with gasps about how to board a BAS KOTA (=citybus), how to get along (trus, trus), and the unwanted attentions most ladies seemed to get. If this reaches this staage it must have been 1 of those not really aspired for daily chores!

[gwmss15]

if the BMA cannot run buses because of BTMA

what about building the BRT using light rail vehicles from europe but build them in bangkok it cant be that hard so in the end would be a modern european tramway instead of a busway therefor no bus monolopy problem

also i doubt it would cost that much more if they can build the trams them selfs in thailand. just keep it simple and functional not flashy and fancy as most thai mass transit is just look at the size of the subway station double whats needed at most places

[Hitesh]

if the BMA cannot run buses because of BTMA

what about building the BRT using light rail vehicles from europe but build them in bangkok it cant be that hard so in the end would be a modern european tramway instead of a busway therefor no bus monolopy problem

also i doubt it would cost that much more if they can build the trams them selfs in thailand. just keep it simple and functional not flashy and fancy as most thai mass transit is just look at the size of the subway station double whats needed at most places

i agree. there is a lot of excess in bangkok modern day bangkok infrastructure projects, perhaps because it allows politicians to take a larger cut.

however, regardless of claims by certain people in power, i highly doubt there will be a mass transit rolling stock assembly line (light or heavy rail) in Thailand. Not because its not needed, but because the transport minister's family controls a significant portion of the automobile industry.

[The Enforcer!]

because the transport minister's family controls a significant portion of the automobile industry.
Gosh! What a surprise!

The Enforcer!

[ooddy]

BRT is a big disaster, no matter what you call it: Smart Move or what. It’s not going to work. I can see it in a small town of about 50,000 to 100,000 people with most people don’t drive or use public transportation. For Bangkok, forget it.

To make if partly functioning, the guideway has to be elevated with its own right of way…in order to get out of the traffic mess. And of course, it has to have all the amenities of the rail systems, i.e. professional and well-trained operators; fully developed signals and communications system; established safety and security procedures; controlled access station and fare collection system; well designed and positioned park and ride facilities; connectivity with BTS and MRT rail systems and future rail systems.

For Bangkok Metropolitan Area, the government has to keep in mind that BRT can not replace rail system but a supplementary or feeding system. BTS and MRT rail system is the spine of the whole network of rail systems now and in the future, for years to come.

[Nekochan]

We are dealing with people who do marketing .... perhaps both dear leader Taksin and Khun Apirak. My point is BRT will never work.

It sounds promising, but considering both BRT routes may not attract high passenger trips..... people tend to drive anyway.

I once asked an engineer in this project why not BMA offered a simple solution just like bus lane. The answer was funny...

Market driven strategy ... sort of

I also have a joke about intelligent taxi stand. What if there is a taxi waiting, but the driver says he parks here just to have a nap after having a quarrel with his wife. (very usual as it is)

Or you are waiting in the rain and there is no taxi available (as usual when it is raining). You keep pressing the intelligent machine..... no taxi stops.

What are you going to do??

You may start to smack the machine (insanely)!! Particularly, when you are drunk somewhere on Ratchada. Not quite intelligent behaviour, isn't it? Indeed, I am worried about vandalism.

What about you stuck in the rain and flood on Sukhumvit. An intelligent board over you says "caution!, slow traffic on Sukhumvit"!!

Very intelligent sign, but you just stuck there for hours (but it is very smart).

[ncr]

*LOL*

Smart crap.

What we really need are intelligent politicians and planners...

[Wisarut]

Bidding for BKK Smartway
Bangkok Biznews - Nov 15, 2005

The winners on the Bidding for BKk Smartway is

1) Mochit - Kaset - Nawamin - rama Indra km 8: ITD -> 705 million Baht
2) Chong Nonsee - Bangkok Bridge: Unique Engineering & Construction -> 681 million Baht

However, BMA have to negotiate hte price with ITD and Unique Eng. since both are higher than
the medium price of 682 million Baht for Kaset route and 660 million Baht for Phra Ram 3 route.
BMAwould have to call a new bid if both companies REFUSE to cut down the budget.

The delay on the constuction would result in the fine of 0.005 of the total construction cost per day

If both companies have signed the contract with BMA, they have to finigh the project in 180 days before testign the system whichconsist of

1) Stations with elevators and flyovers alogn with aircon system -> 18 stations for Mochit - Nawamin - Ram Indra route (19.5 km) and 16 stations from Surawongse to The Mall Tha Phra
(16.5 km) whcihis better than the stations on the first route.

2) Separated tracks to prevent private cars entering into BRT route (except at interchanges & U-turns) alogn with the Yellow paint on BRT route on interchanges & U-turns

3) Power line & Computer to control the system.

BMA has to discuss with HighwayDept and Provincial Highway Dept to allow the consturction of BRT routes on the roads under jurisdiction of Highway Dept/ProvincialHighway Dept.

[The Enforcer!]

This press release looks good but three questions:

1. Have they overcome the Cabinet resolution that only BMTA can operate buses in Bangkok?

2. How are they dealing with the Rama III fly-overs?

3. When is the 'due date'?

The Enforcer!

[crossy]

Do these figures include vehicles? If so they seem incredibly low.

BRT will NOT be able to use existing buses, all the stations in the design study are island platform which will need right hand entry vehicles.

Just an observation :)

A quick search prices decent aircon vehicles at about 9,000,000 Baht, probably need 30-50 of them, cost 270 - 450 million Baht, about 30-40% of the budget. Is the remainder enough for the civils and systems?

Maybe.

[Wisarut]

Modifying Kaset Flyover for BKK Smartway and BTS Pahholyothin extension
Thairath - Nov16, 2005

BMA City hall had released the news that it is necessary to modify 3-lane Kaset Flyover by shortening and narrowing the flyover to allow both BKK Samart way and BTS Phaholyothin extension. It will shorten the flyover by 500-600 meter, from Phaholyothin 35 - GSB [Kasetsart U. Branch] to Land Development Dept - GSB [Kasetsart U. Branch] so as construct the new
BRT station at Senanikhom 1 Road [Pahholyothin 32]

Furthermore, BMA is going to narrow the lane from 3 lanes to 2 lanes. This measure is to allow the constructionof both BKk Smartway and BTS Phaholyothin extension

Thismodification would cost BMA 200 million Baht and the flyover modification would have to be executed at the same time as the construction of BKk Smartway so as to minimize the traffic interruption and both Flyover Modification and BKK Samrtway would be done at the same time -> Decemebr 2006.

The blueprint for Flyover modification would be done bythe end of November 2005 .... and the price assessment would be submitted to BMA Board soas to start the flyover modification in Jan 2006, finish removing in April 2006, allow BRT operation in August 2006, and finish the modification in December 2006. The modification would take 6 months to be done.

Furthermore, BMA is askign ProvincialHighway dept, ETA, and Highway Dept to finish the tunnel construction at Kaset Intersection very soon so BMA could start the Flyover modification.

Even more so, the will be the new flyover at Ratchayothin by removing the old flyover alogn Ratchadaphisek Inner Ring .... with the space for BTS Pahholyothin extension and BRT. The repacement for Ratchayothin flyover is the new tunnel.

// --------------------------------------------------

BKKSamrt way would either lease the BRT vehicles or purchase them ... buyt leasign preferred to cut down the cost ... ONLy after the passenger demand hike would compell BMA to purchase the brand new BRT buses

[Ganyc]

In my third visit to Jakarta, I have the pleasure to travel in Transjakarta Busway. No cars travel along the bus lane (unlike in Singapore) and Busway travels as fast as Light Rapid Transit(LRT) of Singapore. There are no fare cheats because every Indonesian and tourist pays a standard fare Rp 3,500 at Kota Busway Terminal and Blok M Busway terminal, and regardless which station they board or alight. The bridge linking each Busway station is easier to walk along than the SkyTrain bridges of Bangkok. In Busway, the seats are ergonomic seats and provide more comfortability than the public buses of Singapore. Travelling in Transjakarta Busway is safe. Yes, I will recommend the BRT programme to take a look at Transjakarta Busway !

[Wisarut]

BMA Board askign BMATraffic Bureau to Revise th Plan for Kaset Flyover Demolision
Dailynews - Nov 17, 2005

Duputy Governor Samart said he has to takes a serious inspection on the details of BMA Traffic Bureau's plan to demolish Kaset Flyover to make more space for BRT and Pahholyothin extension of BTS before making anyfurther decision. Nevertheless, Duputy Governor Samart siad it may not be a good thing to shorten or to narrow the flyover since Highway Dept is
workign on the tunnel at Kaset Inversection whcihcould create even worse chaos onthe traffic along Pahholyothin road. This would ignite storng protest against BMA.

The alternative is NOT to construction a BRT station at Senanikhom intersection, just keep the BRT station between Major Cineplex Ratchayothin and Senanikhom right at the same place asthe current bus stop. It maybepossible to share the trackwith other traffic under Kaset flyover (!)

[The Enforcer!]

I am a little confused on the 'station' maps as the Rama III line seems to stop at Lumphini Tower and Lumpini Place when both of these (I thought) are in Rama IV road!

Also on the Mo Chit serve what does 'Dau Mau' mean which is the name of 7 stops!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Well, that's due to the POOR mappign by BMA Officer ;) :D

FOr the cade fo Dor Mor -> it is the Pillar of Expressway ... they just convenient use the numebr of pillars as the mark for the place logn Kaset Nawamin road ..... :eek:

[The Enforcer!]

Well, that's due to the POOR mappign by BMA Officer ;) :D

FOr the cade fo Dor Mor -> it is the Pillar of Expressway ... they just convenient use the numebr of pillars as the mark for the place logn Kaset Nawamin road ..... :eek:
Thanks,

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Now, Ai Pheng is obstructing BRT done by BMA AGAIN... :mad:

[The Enforcer!]

Anything being built yet?

The Enforcer!

[gwmss15]

there is some work at kasart uni in the middle of the road traffic is bad and the road surface is very poor now its a very wide site about 4 or 5 lanes wide

[ncr]

Yes, also happened to see that today, but that's the Kaset Intersection Tunnel (east-west, Ngam Wong Wan - Nawamin) and nothing to do with BRT.

[The Enforcer!]

I see from yesterday's Bangkok Post that Governor Apirak has 'suspended indefinitely' the construction work on the two BRT lines.


The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

It is an alligation of Bidding Collusions by TRT Members of BMA City Council as a measure for Charactor Assasinations of both BMA Governor Aphirak andDeupty BMAGovernor Samart .... andof course Taksin extension and BRT.

[Yappofloyd]

OMG not again!!! This BRT mess is going from bad to worse at atime when the whole Mass Transit Plan is still very unclear. Perhaps need to call in someone from Jakarta:rolleyes:

[Wisarut]

Better call someone from Ban Si Sao or even Klai Kangwon Palace instead

[The Enforcer!]

the whole Mass Transit Plan
Err? Wot Plan?

The "TRT Election Con Trick" plan?

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

Better call someone from Ban Si Sao or even Klai Kangwon Palace insteadWhat's Ban Si Sao?

[The Enforcer!]

Heard yesterday from a friend working with the BMA that the BRT vehicle procurement is still going ahead even though the BRT road construction has been stopped.

Now I am confused!

The Enforcer!

[Fan]

Hi,

I just registered here, this looks like a really great and easy site to find out news on projects going on in Thailand. I'm currently a grad student looking to write a transportation paper on mass transit in Thailand. I'm hoping to use this paper as a jumping off point for my thesis that I will have to start later on this year.

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of studies done on the BRT or to a place where I can find official information on the system. I've been looking around have not been able to find very much information on the skytrain or subway system either.

I'd really appreciate any help.

[Nekochan]

Dear Khun Fan,

It is very difficult to find any report concerning transport projects in Thailand. It is likely to be "internal materials" among some Thai and foreign consultants. They do not wish to share.

Public agencies do have reports, but do not expect to have data that easily. Since most civil servants tend to be "laypeople" with no khowledge in technical stuff. They do not know how important it is.

BRT has been studied by PCI (Pacific Consultants International, Japan) for BMA. And latest MRT study was done by BMTD which are TEC+TEWET (Berlin)+TESCO (Thailand).

You should know insider to have data.

OTP (Office of Transport Planning) at Yommaraj is a good source. You may check its website.

Wish you have some luck

[Yappofloyd]

Anything happening with BRT or is it going nowhere fast? Has been a long time since seen anything from BMA on progress.

[The Enforcer!]

Anything happening with BRT or is it going nowhere fast? Has been a long time since seen anything from BMA on progress.
I think it has been officially abandoned due to corruption.

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

I see from today's The Nation that the BRT is back on.

Why does that newspaper only ever print bad news!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Bad News SELLS! That's why the newspaper are always full of Bad News :p

[Yappofloyd]

I see from today's The Nation that the BRT is back on.

Why does that newspaper only ever print bad news!

The Enforcer!

It must be pre-election time!

[Parinand]

I think BRT with dedicated guideway hardly works for Bangkok environment. The Krung Thep Bridge - Silom line (using Rama III Rd. and Princess of Naradhivas Rd.) may work because there is already a dedicated bus lane along the median strip of Princess of Naradhivas Rd. (along Nonsi Channel). And the two roads are already under jurisdiction of the BMA. The Navamindra-MoChit line won't work because the Kaset-Navamindra Rd. is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Highways and there are pillars for future elevated expressway on the median strip. The section of Phahon Yothin Rd. from Kaset to MoChit is also too narrow and too congested to dedicate a lane for the BRT.

I think BMA should replace the Navamindra-MoChit line with the Ekkamai-RamIndra line along Pradit Manutham Rd. (the road paralleling Cholong Raj Expressway). The line should start at South Ekkamai junction on Sukhumvit Rd. (near Ekkamai BTS station), then run along Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63) Rd. and Pradit Manutham Rd. to the end of the line at Ram Indra Rd. Pradit Manutham Rd. is under BMA jurisdiction and it is wide enough to support a dedicated BRT lane. However, the BRT bus must run as a normal bus when the use Ekkamai Rd., which is too narrow to have a reserved lane.

[Wisarut]

Hi Bird,

BMA is DEFINITELY going for that Rama 3 Route (Chong Nonsee - Krungthep bridge - Chaiyapruek road)

Hmmm .... The lien for Ekkamai - Ram Indra route .... It should feed both Klong Tan Railway station and Ram Khamahaeng Airport Link statrion ... to ensure the successfuill services ....

However, goign from Kong Tan station to Ekkamai BTS station is quite a tough one since Ekkamai road (Sukhumvit 63) is TOO NARROW :(

[Parinand]

Yep...Ekkamai Lane is too narrow, Wirarut.

That's why it must be operated as a normal bus when it enters this narrow street. And I agree that it should make a stop at Khlong Tan railway station.
So I think the route should be like this...

Ram Indra
- Pradit Manutham Rd. (passing intersections with Kaset-Navamin, Lad Phrao, Pracha Uthit, and Rama IX)
- Petchburi Rd. (passing Khlong Tan railway station)
- Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55) Lane (passing Saen Sab Canal express boat pier)
- Sukhumvit Rd. (passing Thong Lor and Ekkamai BTS stations, Bangkok Science Center and Planetarium, and Bangkok Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal)
- Ekkamai (Sukhumvit 63) Lane
- Pradit Manutham Rd. (passing intersections with Rama IX, Pracha Uthit, Lad Phrao, and Kaset-Navamin)
Ram Indra

[Wisarut]

As far as I concern for BRT route alogn Ekkamai - ram Indra road, it should be soemthing liek this:

Ram Indra route:

- Ram Indra (km 5.5)
- Khok Kram (Intersection with Kaset - Nawamin)
- Lad Phrao (Intersect with Lad Phrao road near Imperail World (now Big C Lad Phrao)
- Sri Wara (Intersection with Pracha Uthit road - Ram Khamhaeng 39 [Wat Thep Leela])
- Rama 9 (intersection with Rama 9 road)
- Klong Tan station (not exactly but very closed)

After that, you have 3 choices to go

1) Turnign left to Ramkhamhaeng station of Airport Link and then turn right ot go along Sukhumvit 71 road all hte way to Phra Khanong intersection and then turn right to pass Pharkhanong station, Ekkamai station, and Thon Lor station

2) Tuning right to go alogn Phetburi road and pass Italian Thai Development Building to Soi Thong Lor (Phetburi Road side) ... and then go along Sukhumkvit 55 road all the way to the end of Soi Thong Lor (Sukhumvit 55 )
and then turn left to Ekkamai station

3) Go straight ahead across Phetburi road andb saen saeb canal to Ekkamai via Ekkamai Road.

[Parinand]

So my proposal is the same as Wisarut's second alternative. The first alternative of using Pridi Banomyong (Sukhumvit 71) Rd. is also a good one since it passes two airport red line stations (Khlong Tan and Ram Khamhaeng) and two BTS green line stations (Phra Khanong and Ekkamai) However, Pridi Banomyong Rd. is already served by a number of bus lines, while Thong Lor Ln. is only served by a red minibus line and a BTS shuttle bus line. And Thong Lor has recently become a trendy shopping and entertainment strip that serves modern urban lifestyle, so another bus line should boost the growth of that area.

[Wisarut]

No Klogn tan station for Airport Link at the time being though :(

That's very reeason why we need to have Feeder BRT passing both Ramkhamhaeng station and Klogn Tan railway station ...

This has compell me to come up with the 4th alternative ....
the combination of the 2nd and 3rd alternative .... Going all the way from Ram Indra to Klong Tan station and the turn left to Ramkhamhaeng station
of Airport Transit before turning rigght to Klogn Tan intersection to go along
new Phetburi road to Soi Thong Lor .... and then goign alogn So Thogn lor to Sukhumvit and turn left to Ekkamai .....

[Parinand]

So from Pradit Manutham Rd. the bus must turn left at Pradit-Rama IX intersection onto Rama IX Rd. Then turn right onto Ram Khamhaeng Rd., passing Ram Khamhaeng station. Then turn right at Khlong Tan Intersection onto Petchburi Rd., passing Khlong Tan station. Then turn left onto Thong Lor Lane onward.

In this case, it can be BRT only on Pradit Manutham section.

[Wisarut]

Hmmm .... Not so sure if New phetbuiri road is suitable for BRT ... It not ... Good Luck! :eek:

[jpatokal]

Hmmm .... Not so sure if New phetbuiri road is suitable for BRT ... It not ... Good Luck! :eek:
It's already quite badly jammed, especially the (few) lanes heading to central Bangkok, so I'm not sure there's much space for a BRT... and the alignment is largely parallel to the Red Line commuter anyway.

[Wisarut]

Chiang Mai BRT Networks in 2010?
Manager daily - Sept 25, 2006

4 BRT Lines for Chiang Mai - either Diesel or electric traction

1) Chaingmai Bureaucrat center - Chiang Mai Night Safari (North - South - 40 km)

2) 700-Year Chiangmai Stadium - sansai Market (West - Northeast - 22 km)

3) Chiang Mai Zoo - Buak Krok Intersection (East- West - 34 km)

4) Tha Phae Gate - Meng Rai road (Tourist line - 8 km)

Ther will be station in every 300-600 meter

Independent Organization to run Chaingmai BRT is a must ... it will become a reality in 2010 igf goes just fine

http://w3.manager.co.th/Local/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9490000120311

[Parinand]

I think the Governor made the right decision to suspend the BRT project because it is not sound and not appropriate for Bangkok environment. Instead, BMA should focus on extending the BTS to the suburbs to increase ridership. A rapid transit system like BTS is a better option for our city.

[The Enforcer!]

I think the Governor made the right decision to suspend the BRT project because it is not sound and not appropriate for Bangkok environment. Instead, BMA should focus on extending the BTS to the suburbs to increase ridership. A rapid transit system like BTS is a better option for our city.

Absolutely.

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

BRT is back yet again! (Or is it?)

As mentioned frontpage:

BMA revives bus project after approval of rail routes (http://www.bangkokpost.com/091106_News/09Nov2006_news10.php) - Bangkok Post - 09 November 2006

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) yesterday dusted off its special bus project shelved during the rule of the deposed Thaksin Shinawatra government, following the cabinet's approval of the construction of five new electric rail routes. The bus project, known as the Bangkok Rapid Transit (BRT), has been postponed a number of times since its planned launch in October last year. However, the interim cabinet's decision on Tuesday gave it a new lease of life, with a new focus on linking BRT routes with the electric rail network. Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said he had already ordered the BMA's traffic officials to study possible BRT routes which could serve commuters on the proposed railway routes.

Two of the five lines, which total 118km, are under the supervision of the BMA _ the planned extension lines for the skytrain from Onnuj to Samut Prakan and from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai. City Hall has already finished studies on two proposed BRT routes, earlier introduced as a major policy platform of Mr Apirak. The routes are a 19.5km line from Navamin to Mor Chit and a 16.5km line from Bangkok Bridge to Chong Nonsi. Under the BRT concept, right-hand lanes adjacent to traffic islands would be reserved for buses.

Mr Apirak said City Hall would also consider further BRT routes in Don Muang, Bang Khen, and Sai Mai districts in northern Bangkok to link the areas with Suvarnabhumi Airport. The BMA will discuss the project tomorrow before asking the Transport and Interior ministries for their cooperation in facilitating the project. Under the Thaksin administration, the Interior Ministry once suggested the BMA suspend the project as it was asking the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority - the current operator of city buses - for permission to run its own BRT vehicles. Traffic police also joined the opposition for fear that the project would cause traffic congestion

[The Enforcer!]

BRT is back yet again!

You know there was a time when I thought the Democrats has a transport policy - now they have just have a policy.

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

MOT Approving BMA to run BRT
Dailynews - Nov 18, 2006

After meetign between BMA Governor and Deputy Minister of Transport on the matter of Paknam Extension (Bearing - Samut Prakarn - 14 km)
and Mochit - Saphan Mai (13 km) alogn 5 BRT lines. Deputy Minister of Transport said he would approve the 1st BRT line
(Silom - Ratchapruek, Klogn Taroek - Pracha Uthit - 20 km) with a price of 2.179 billion Baht since this lien is a feeder line for BTS.

However BMA has to negotiate with Office of Land Traffic Management to ensure that it woudl NOT overlap with the BRT lien proposed by
Office of Land Traffic Management and BMTA bus lines. If the clearance with Office of Land Traffic Management anmd BMTA is done,
the constrution will take 1 year to be done with 100% budget from BMA.

This BRT will take daily passenger of 89000 passengers a day with the ticket rate of 10-18 Baht and 15 stations. The headway will be
3-5 minutes. However the other 4 lines will be constructed by BMA with budget from central government.

The list of 15 stations will be as follows:

Section 1 - Silom - Ratchapruek
1) Silom (Allowign connection with Surawongse Road)
2) Chong Nonsee
3) Sathon
4) Yen Akart
5) Thanon Chan (TPI Building)
6) Rama 3 road
7) Klogn Ta Roek (Interchange with branch line)
8) Wat Pariwat
9) Wat Dokmai
10) Rama 9 Bridge
11) Charoen Raj Road
12) Thanon Tok
13) Ratchapruek

Section 2 Klong Taroek - Pracha Uthit This will go across Industrial Ring Bridge

14) Suksawat
15) Pracha Uthit (Road to KMUTT)

This will require the space of Rama 3 Bridge and Industriakl Ring - 1 lane for each side - for BRT.
The park and ride will under Ratchapruek Bridge - Ratchadaphisek

[The Enforcer!]

So BRT is back again!

I suppose it is aimed to be ready for Apirak's re-election bid in August 2008?

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

From today's Bangkok Post ... more bad news!


The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) can run the 2.7-billion-baht Bangkok Rapid Transit (BRT) service from Chong Nonsi to the Bangkok bridge, cabinet decided yesterday. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the rapid bus project would help speed the flow of traffic.

''The 16.5-km route is a pilot project. More routes will come before us for a decision,'' Gen Surayud said after the meeting.

The project, originally planned for launch in October 2005, was postponed during the tenure of the deposed Thaksin Shinawatra government.

The project had two primary routes _ the Chong Nonsi-Bangkok Bridge and the 19.5-km Nawamin-Kasetsart routes.

But the government only gave the go-ahead for the Chong Nonsi-Bangkok Bridge route because a special bus lane for the other route has not yet been completed, said government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalap.

He said the Transport Ministry had no plans to build the rapid bus lane anytime soon as it feared the project would only worsen traffic congestion on Phaholyothin road, where traffic is always bad.

The approved BRT route starts from Surawong road, heads to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin and Rama III roads, then crosses the Chao Phraya river at Rama III bridge, and ends at Ratchaphruek intersection. Commuters will be able to board the bus at 17 stops. Rapid buses will be allowed to pass through red lights at intersections to speed up the journey


The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

Rapid buses will be allowed to pass through red lights at intersections to speed up the journey


Does anyone else find this worrying?

The Enforcer!

[TGunner]

Does anyone else find this worrying?

The Enforcer!

They ought to build overpasses at intersections or something...otherwise I really don't see how that's gonna work. But perhaps our traffic engineers have something up their sleeves. :eek:

[Yappofloyd]

A quote in The Nation with a similar message, Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalap said yesterday the BRT project would serve as another traffic solution for Bangkok because it would be a fast, efficient, low-cost and safe transportation system. "The BRT will have a lane of its own and it can move past intersections without having to wait for a green light," he said. I'm sure they have not really thought about how to express (no pun intended) what they are trying to say.

Building overpasses is not always the answer, and costly, as at least two overpasses on Rama III have been built since 2005 thus taking away space where the bus lane would have been. I guess the bus will just have to share a lane on the overpass with other traffic?

[jpatokal]

Building overpasses is not always the answer, and costly, as at least two overpasses on Rama III have been built since 2005 thus taking away space where the bus lane would have been. I guess the bus will just have to share a lane on the overpass with other traffic?
This is how it work in Jakarta, although they also apply some pretty strict limits on who can use overpasses (no trucks, no normal buses, no bikes). Enforcement of said limits is, of course, another story.

[Yappofloyd]

Good and interesting analysis by Dr Chumnong and he lucidly points out the lack of an intergrated transport master plan. Something we have all been wondering about on another thread in the past.

Priority buses the commute of the future - But concern over way BMA is implementing the project by Kamol SukinThe Nation 07/01/07

After years of talk Bangkok is building a new mass-transport system - the Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT. It will be built in the city centre first before expanding to the outer suburbs if pilots are a success. The Cabinet this week approved the first BRT project to be built by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). It will be a 16.5-kilometre route from the Silom Bangkok Transit System station to Krungthep Bridge.

However, an expert warned the plan would not be a total success because of the way the BMA was implementing it. BRTs have emerged as viable alternative mass-transit systems over the past several years because of cost.
BRT is not as fast as the Skytrain or subway but is a lot more rapid than normal public buses. BRT is much cheaper to build than the Skytrain and subway. This makes it more attractive in many parts of the world.

BRT runs at ground level like public buses but has dedicated lanes and stops, or stations, as they will be called. The buses are not required to stop at intersections, and passengers use electronic cards to enter and exit the stations, which are more user friendly than an average bus stop. "BRT is very interesting. It will encourage Bangkok residents to use mass-transit systems more and personal cars less," traffic-management expert Dr Chumnong Sorapipatana said. He works at the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment at the King Mongkut University of Technology Thon Buri.

"Mass transit is likely the only option for Bangkok. We have to accept we cannot build enough roads for the rapidly growing demands of motorists. Roads are at their limit, and they need to be managed properly, and BRT is a most interesting type of road management," he said. "I am not saying we no longer need more Skytrain and subway routes, but BRT should be a priority option for further mass transit. It will save a lot of money," he stressed.

Every kilometre of BRT route costs Bt100 million. Compare that with the Bt2.2 billion to Bt3.5 billion for a kilometre of subway and the Bt1.5 billion to 2.5 billion for the Skytrain, and the cost advantages are obvious. Further savings can be made if routes take advantage of space available under expressways or along rail routes, Chumnong said. Bangkok Deputy Governor Bannasophit Mekwichai supports Chumnong. "It has been the policy of Governor Apirak Kosayodhin since he ran for election to build a proper mass-transit system for this city," Bannasophit said. "The approved Silom to Krungthep Bridge project is just a pilot. It is part of one of two schemes planned by Apirak," she said.

They are the northern route from Kaset to Navamin and the southern one from Silom to Rajaphruk and Suksawasdi. "This project will cost about Bt600 million and will carry some 40,000 people a day. BRT fares initially will not exceed current air-conditioned-bus fares," she said. We are planning to finish the southern route first and then move on to the northern and maybe others," she said. Chumnong applauded the initiative but noted many improvements were required in implementation. "BRT is somewhat difficult to understand, even for the BMA. The BMA only half understands the real concept," he said. Chumnong explained that the heart of a BRT system was management, not construction. Its focus is more on software than hardware.

"BRT is a traffic-management system giving priority to mass-transit vehicles over private cars. Most people don't like that, so a campaign to get the people to see the benefits of BRT is vital. "Yet the BMA has skipped this. This is the first mistake in implementing BRT," he said. Other mistakes are in scale and time frame, he said. The BMA is failing to integrate BRT into Bangkok's traffic-management master plan, he explained. "BRT should not be singled out from other mass-transit systems. The BMA should have a master plan showing how BRT can integrate with the Skytrain and subway as well as the road system. We don't see this picture," he said. Chumnong said the entire BRT system should be completed in three to five years. Failure to achieve this may affect its efficiency. "Look at what the BMA has done. It has separated the BRT project into pieces and has no time frame for the systems. This will affect its efficiency," he added.

Chumnong understands the BMA may share his views but blames its inability to implement them on the body's own structure. "Did you know that there are as many as 12 authorities in charge of traffic management in Bangkok? Unfortunately, the BMA has the smallest role. Bangkok is the only big capital whose governor does not have full authority in managing his own town," Chumnong said. Bannasophit argued the BMA had consulted residents about the BRT plan and found most supported the idea. "We are now ready to construct the project. Two companies have signed contracts for construction and consultation work. Building should be complete within nine months and ready for a three-month test run before being opened for public use," she said.

But Rama Three resident and finance worker Wannaphorn (who asked for her surname not to be used) has heard nothing. She drives to work every day. "It sounds like a good project, but I cannot picture what it will be like. I might try it if it comes to pass. If it works, it might be one of many transport options. I might even leave my car at home if it really works and is affordable," she said. Student Thani (who also asked for his surname not to be used) lives along one of the proposed routes. He normally uses the Skytrain. He thought BRT was a great idea and said he would use it if fares were not too high.

[The Enforcer!]

According to today's The Nation .....From 3540 bus units would be needed on this 16.5km route to ensure that a bus leaves every 710 minutes and the route can accommodate 50,000 passengers a day in the first year.

710 minutes ... wow a bus every 11 hours and 50 minutes!

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

After getting approval for the first 16.5 km of BRT (Surawongse - Chong Nonsee - Rama III - Ratchapruek), governor Abhirak is askign for the branch line to Pracha Uthit via the Industrial Ring Bridge to get total distance of 23 km with budget of 2.179 billion Baht

Furthermore, he is asking for the other 4 lines such as

1) Donmuang - Minburi - Suvannabhum (38 km - 4.531 billion Baht)
2) Pakkret - Mochit (18.7 km - 1.124 billion Baht)
3) Minburi - Sri Nakharin - Bearing (25 km - 3.123 billion Baht)
4) Bang Na - Suvannabhum (15.6 km - 1.932 billion Baht)

[ncr]

I also choked on that sentence.

Apparently it was supposed to mean "From 35-40 bus units would be needed on this 16.5km route to ensure that a bus leaves every 7-10 minutes".... and a little newspaper monster ate the hyphens. :p

[Yappofloyd]

This may lead to further delays with BTS just when it was getting started again. The company sounds like a nice littler earner as a 'middleman' for somone. I wonder who owns the other 1%?

Status of firm owned by city questioned Krungthep Thanakom dealings in spotlight SUPOJ WANCHAROEN Bkk Post 29/01/07
A plan to have the city-owned company Krungthep Thanakom oversee the skytrain route extension and the Bus Rapid Transit project could be in breach of the law, a legal expert said yesterday. No firm working on behalf of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was allowed to take charge of such schemes, said BMA inspector-general Suwit Silatong, a former director of the city's Legal and Litigation Division.

Krungthep Thanakom is 99% owned by the BMA and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, having improved its administration, hopes it can be effective in helping oversee the city's mega-projects. The governor, who gained his managerial skills during his days as an executive of many private companies, believes Krungthep Thanakom could use its corporate style management skills to speed up the construction of large projects on behalf of the BMA which is bound by bureaucratic rules.

Mr Suwit said the problem is that the status of Krungthep Thanakom is in question. "You can't even say that Krungthep Thanakom is a state enterprise because there is no law that allows City Hall to establish a state enterprise," Mr Suwit said. Neither could the 99% ownership of the company be used as a reason to justify the state enterprise status. The law only allows government agencies to set up a state enterprise if at least 50% of their shares are in government hands. Mr Suwit said the BMA was only a local administrative body and not a central government agency.

If the BMA still insists that Krungthep Thanakom should take charge of the projects, it would have to conduct its business under a joint investment law under another arrangement between the government and private companies. But this could delay the two projects by two years, Mr Suwit said. Krungthep Thanakom was founded in 1994. It has been contracted to oversee the disposal of infectious garbage in Bangkok and has never handled a mega-project.

The company has been criticised for acting as a "broker" by often hiring other companies to work for the BMA. This has raised questions why the BMA should hire those companies through Krungthep Thanakom. "The company was also not willing to divulge information about its business dealings when asked by the BMA. This looks as if it were hiding something," a source at the City Hall said. Deputy City Governor Panich Vikitsreth said the BMA would ask the Council of State, the government's legal adviser, to clarify the legal status of the firm before allowing it to run the two projects.

If the company was classified as a state enterprise, the City Council and the Auditor-General's Office would be asked to examine its assets, said City Council chairman Thawatchai Piyanonthaya. "So far we've never been able to scrutinise expenses and accounts of the company," he said.

[GWR]

Apologies if you have already read this report in the 'Skytrain Extensions' thread. It's difficult to separate the two strands of this report, so I've decided to leave it intact: -

Skytrain extension project progressing on schedule

The Skytrain extension from Saphan Taksin across the river to Taksin Intersection and the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, from Chong Nonsi to Rajaphruek, will both be ready to serve the public early next year.

Planned projects for mass transit systems will cost the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over Bt20 billion.

That sum includes Bt8.76 billion for the 5.25km extension from On Nut to Sukhumvit 107; Bt9.46 billion for the 6.7km extension from Saphan Taksin to Bang Wa; and Bt2.18 billion for the 16.5km Chong Nonsi BRT route.

Work on the Chong Nonsi bus link, to be undertaken by Unique Engineering & Construction Co, is due to start on March 1 and will take six to seven months to complete.

Four more express bus (BRT) routes are also in the pipeline:


A 38-km link from Don Muang to Min Buri and Suvarnabhumi, to be built later this year. It will cost Bt4.53 billion;

An 18.7-km route from Mor Chit to Pak Kred, which will cost Bt1.12 billion;


A 25-km route from Min Buri to Sri Nakharin and Sukhumvit 107, which will cost Bt3.12 billion;


And a 15.6-km route from Bang Na to Suvarnabhumi, which will cost Bt1.93 billion.

The five BRT routes will cover just over 98 kilometres and cost nearly Bt13 billion.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin led a press tour along the first BRT route on Wednesday.

He said: "If all five BRT routes are completed they will link with the Skytrain and subway lines covering the inner city to important places in suburban areas. They will make travelling around the city quicker and more convenient and help reduce traffic jams."

Deputy city governor Panit Wikitset said the 2.2-km extension from Saphan Taksin to Taksin Intersection was 90 per cent done and should be completed by April. The system will be tested for six months before opening for service. A further 4.5-km stretch from Taksin Intersection to Bang Wa should be completed in late 2009, while the On Nut-Sukhumvit 107 extension would open for service in early 2009, he said.

Besides the two Skytrain extensions, the city had also received full funding from the government to build two other Skytrain extensions: a 14-km link from Sukhumvit 107 to Samut Prakan (costing Bt14.9 billion) and a 13-km route from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai (costing Bt14.74 billion), Panit said.

Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/23/national/national_30027652.php

[The Enforcer!]

I read some where that it is to be called the 'Green-Yellow Line' !

No comment.

The Enforcer!

[Yappofloyd]

TRANSPORT / RAPID BUS LANE BMA urges public to back project BKK Post 03/03/07
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration yesterday asked the Yannawa district residents to back its rapid bus lane project due to its benefits and not to fear that the traffic would worsen any further during its 6-month construction period. Deputy city governor Panich Vikitsreth led a team of officials to explain to the district residents on the need to build the special 16.5-km-long lane after the project had been pushed back many times, partly due to concern over worsening traffic jams on crowded roads in Sathon and Yannawa districts.

But if people and their city and district councillors clearly see its benefits, they would have a good perception of the project, and its construction would go on smoothly with few or no hindrances, said Mr Panich. A construction company has started removing public utility networks from the roads since Thursday after the project was approved by the cabinet early this year. The scheme, known as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), is a pet project of Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, who is keen to improve the city's bus services.

Its first section of the route, which will cost 1.9 billion baht to develop, will link Chong Nonsi and Ratchaphruek in Thon Buri in the western part of the Chao Phraya river. Under the BRT service, convoys of buses, each of which will be able to carry up to 150 passengers, will run on special bus lanes near traffic islands. To ensure faster transport, they will be allowed to run continually without a need to stop at intersections for a long time.

The city also plans to build bus stops with escalators and, in some spots, elevators for the disabled. The Chong Nonsi-Ratchaphruek route will start from Surawong road, head to Narathiwat Ratchanakarin and Rama III roads, then cross the Chao Phraya river at the New Krungthep Bridge and end at the Ratchaphruek intersection. The BMA expects to conduct the test runs later this year and officially launch the service early next year.

[jerryfin]

There is now clear evidence of the intent to:) progress! At selected stopping points along the route, red and white concrete barriers have been laid at the curbside on both sides of the route. I am very excited as there is going to be a stop at my condo..SV City. There is a green sign stating it is part of the BRT plan and they regret any inconvenience the construction may cause and it will all be finished in the beginning or 2551.

[The Enforcer!]

There is now clear evidence of the intent to:) progress! At selected stopping points along the route, red and white concrete barriers have been laid at the curbside on both sides of the route. I am very excited as there is going to be a stop at my condo..SV City. There is a green sign stating it is part of the BRT plan and they regret any inconvenience the construction may cause and it will all be finished in the beginning or 2551.
Sad day - BRT will only lead to more traffic congestion ... perhaps it stands for Boy Rot Tit?

The Enforcer!

[daphne969]

Sad day - BRT will only lead to more traffic congestion ... perhaps it stands for Boy Rot Tit?

The Enforcer!

Don't worry too much. Over the last 20 years we had ""rapid"" bus lines on every possible and impossible road. None has lasted very long.:D

[GWR]

In light of the fact that many train projects go by the board because of the lobbying of well-belted automobile interests (and because BRT obviously does have some valid minuses) this decision seems to indicate that BRT is likely to proceed because someone (Tell us who?) stands to clean up big time from it:

07 May 2007 Cabinet approves budget for BKK BRT project
The Cabinet has approved a budget of two billion baht for the Bangkok Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. 12 stations will be set up in the capital, covering about 15 kilometers in total. Approximately 20 million baht will be invested in each station.

According to the forecast, the buses will be able to service 50,000 passengers per day, and each trip will take around 28 to 35 minutes to complete. Buses will be released every five minutes during normal hours and seven minutes during rush hours. Contactless smart cards will also be used to collect fares from the passengers.

Two types of buses will be used. One of them is 12 meters long while the other is 18 meters long. They will be able to carry about 80 to 150 passengers per trip. The buses will also use special routes in certain congested intersections to reduce traffic time.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter03

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255005070014

[Yappofloyd]

Sad day - BRT will only lead to more traffic congestion ... perhaps it stands for Boy Rot Tit?

The Enforcer!

Khun Enforcer, I think it may be Rot Tip not Tit but I defer to a native Thai speaker.

Anyway, I know that you think this project will not work and only lead to more traffic congestion. I guess I agree with you in the short to medium term and frankly I think this should be one of the short term aims of the project. If you look at the picture of the Jakarta BRT http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=423272&page=6 (Post #110), it shows exactly what should happen.

While all those cars on Rama 3 are grindlocked the BRT should whiz by and thus eventually inspire and encourage some of the car addicted travellers to catch BRT. Of course it will take more than one BRT line and ultimately an expanded mass transit system but eventually when the network is in place enough people will switch. At least that's the plan!

BTW< I think we all missed the Khun Apirak/BMA construction commencement ceremony during the week at Chong Noonsi.

[The Enforcer!]

I think we all missed the Khun Apirak/BMA construction commencement ceremony during the week at Chong Noonsi. Sadly I am in UK on holiday at present so could not get down there.

Have they published the exact road drawings yet? I am intregued so see how the BRT deals with all the Rama III fly-overs.

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

Sad day - BRT will only lead to more traffic congestion ... perhaps it stands for Boy Rot Tit?
Khun Enforcer, I think it may be Rot Tip not Tit but I defer to a native Thai speaker.No native speaker, but....:

rot tit (รถติด) = traffic jam (literally: cars stick), whereas
rot thiip (รถถีบ) (pedal-vehicle) means "bicycle" in Lao language, as far as I know...!

I guess The Enforcer wanted to express something like "the traffic's always jammed" (boi = often), but unfortunately "boy rot tit" as a long form for "BRT" is not correct Thai, as the adjective/adverb usually comes behind the noun/verb. (Or did you mean the English word "boy"???) In that case, it should be one of the following options:

rot tit boi-boi (รถติดบ่อยๆ) = there are frequent traffic jams
rot tit talort (welaa) (รถติดตลอดเวลา) = there's always a traffic jam

[The Enforcer!]

I guess The Enforcer wanted to express something like "the traffic's always jammed" (boi = often), but unfortunately "boy rot tit" as a long form for "BRT" is not correct Thai, as the adjective/adverb usually comes behind the noun/verb. Rats, you have gathered I am not a Thai speaker/writer!

Anything else the B could stand for?

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

Rats, you have gathered I am not a Thai speaker/writer!Gotcha! :cool:

As for myself, I am not a good speaker, but listening/understanding and reading are quite OK. Well, reading is actually fluent, if only my vocabulary was bigger....

Writing? Better not. Too ugly...! And the Thai keyboard is a disaster. Takes you 15 minutes to find a single letter. And I cannot remember the correct spellings for most words (too many consonants, tone signs etc.). (The words in my above post were copied from an online dictionary.)

[ncr]

BRT = Better Ride the Train :p

[GWR]

BMA to build new special bus route from Pakkred to Mor Chit

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced its plan to build the second Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route, from Nonthaburi's Pakkred to Bangkok's Mor Chit. The project will cost Bt1.4 billion and will service the future Jaengwattana civil-service complex.

Bangkok deputy governor Panit Wikitset Wednesday said the BMA is concluding this year's projected budget and expenses for 2008 for Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin's consideration next week. The budget request will then be submitted to the Bangkok Council on July 18. This year the city had a Bt58 billion budget - of which Bt44 billion came from its own income and Bt15 billion from the government, according to Panit.

The projected expenses for 2008 include ongoing large projects such as the construction of the Skytrain extension from On Nut to Sukhumvit Soi 107 and the first BRT route from Chong Nonsi to Ratchapreuk, Panit said.

Panit said the second, 26 kilometre BRT route from Pakkred to Mor Chit would support 100,000 commuters travelling to the future Jaengwattana civil-service complex.

The Nation


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30037376

[The Enforcer!]

How can the BMA build something out of city funds which will be 90% outside the city?

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

Because thsoe well to do officers (either BMA or even thsoe in Armed Forces) live in Suburbs ... so this BRT line from Pakkret to Mochit is to please those well to do people ... and I do live in this area for sure ... :p ;) :D

[Yappofloyd]

How can the BMA build something out of city funds which will be 90% outside the city?

The Enforcer!

Khun Enforcer, 90% is a bit of an overstatement as although Pakred is outside the city in Nontaburi, and perhaps most of Chaeng Wattanna rd (need to check a map of the boundary), the route still will head all the way south to Mo Chit thus being in Bangkok city area. By which route is not stated. Obvi