Election propaganda on rails

[ncr]

Noticed today that the Democrat Party is advertising on the BTS (on the rolling stock, that is, where we usually find ads for banks, electronics products and the like) - anyone else seen this?

Seems rather fitting, seeing Apirak's work for the Skytrain extensions and all.... (And the - alleged or not - links between BTS and the Democrats.)

Now it will be interesting to see whether TRT will try and counter this by starting to advertise on subway trains soon....? :D

[ncr]

See also this article featured frontpage:

Democrats launch mass transit policy (http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/08/28/politics/politics_30012148.php) - The Nation, 28 August 2006

The Democrat Party yesterday launched its mass-transport policy with senior party figures riding a BTS Skytrain decorated with the party colours and campaign slogans. Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, also a deputy party leader, joined other party heavyweights in a ride from Mor Chit station to Phya Thai station.

Their presence on the train, painted with the campaign slogan "The people come first" on the outside and key policy messages on the inside, drew considerable attention from commuters. After the key Democrat figures got off the train at Phya Thai station, they took a walk to the nearby Dida Bar on Sri Ayutthaya Road. There, Abhisit told reporters the Democrats' transport policy included building an efficient network of mass transit routes to all significant destinations.

The Democrat leader attacked the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party for making almost no progress in five years in expanding current mass transit systems. Abhisit said the first thing his party would do if it formed the next government was to review "unfair" mass transit fares. He said the Democrats planned to build seven new mass transit train routes in Bangkok stretching 139 kilometres and costing Bt265 billion. He added the government should invest in such a project.

[Wisarut]

Wait unti I crack more detail on Khun Mark's Plan for 7 lines ... :p

[Wisarut]

1. Rangsit - Hua Lamphong 37 km, 54 billion Baht, construction started 2007-2009

2. Phyathai - Asok - Suvannabhum 26.50 km, 56 billion Baht construction started 2005 - 2008 [More likely, the continuation of Suvannabhum Airport like with additional stations] ... This line shoudl connect with Red line commuter in (1) to connect 2 airports together ....

3. Onnut - Samrong 8.9 km, 16.9 billion Baht constructed from 2006-2009
[Now, the first half (Onnut - Bearing) is at full commitment but we'll have to se how they are goign to do the second half in Samrong]

4. Mochit - Kaset - Saphan Mai 12.1 km, 22.5 billion Baht investment, constructed between 2007 - 2010

5. Saphan Taksin - Bang Wah - Bang Khae, 13 km, 20 billion Baht constructed from 2006-2010

[This is clear implication that the section of Blue Ring from Bang Wah to Bang Khae will have to be transferred from MRTA to BTS... to joitn with Saphan Taksin - bang Wah section of BTS, very rational and decisive decision with DANGEROUS consequence from thsoe who hurt from thsi change]

6. Bangsue - Tha Phra - Hua Lamphong 19 km, 53 billion Baht investment cosntructed from 2007 - 2011.

[The change in (5.) has effectively shorten the Blue ring (6.) by 8 km ]

7. Tao Poon - Kae Rai - Bang Yai, 22.50 km, 42.75 billion Baht investment constructed from 2008 to 2011

[Nekochan]

7 mass transit lines are likely committed projects. BTS extentions are sure things. But I do not think BTS will go from Bang Wa - Bang Kae.

I consider conflicts of interest and at least you need to change the mass transit master plan. To do so (if DEM becomes the next gov) is to appoint a new OTP's secretary general, perhaps together with a new MRTA's governor. So MRTA will not cry much.

Then go to change members of the Committee of Mass Transit (all new members). Do some new feasibility studies & eco + financial impacts. Oh, Yes... get some supports from JBIC (JICA will lead the team??)

And implement the projects.

Do you know how fast (?) this process is? It takes more than 1 year! let alone bidding & construction.

Airport link suffers delay. I think it will open in 2008 (late 2008?). So, SRT will extent the system later. It is not likely that they will complete the rest of Airport rail within 2009 (less than a year)

AND .... WHERE IS THE MONEY?

[The Enforcer!]

.... WHERE IS THE MONEY?
They do not need any money. It is all Election propaganda which will be shelved once they are in power.

The Enforcer!

[Wisarut]

But Probbaly NOT skytrain section though .... even though it may be shortered than promised line :)

If they manage to secure JBIC Loan, that will be anotehr matter ... :D