Chiangmai:CMU Electrics

[The Enforcer!]

I see that this is now back on the agenda.

Feasibility study - 10 Months, then bidding. Construction to start in two years.

Ready for the PM's retirement?

The Enforcer!

[jpatokal]

I was quite happily surprised to find out that Chiang Mai now has a proper metered taxi service, although according to this (http://www.chiangmainews.com/ecmn/2005/feb05/40_41localnews.php) there are currently 13 in service vs. 2700+ red songthaews so it'll be a while until they really make an impact. I booked one in advance to the airport: they're brand new Toyotas identical to those in Bangkok (except that the colors are blue and yellow) and quite reasonably priced at 30B for the first two km and then 4B/km. Is there any other city in Thailand with "real" metered taxis, as opposed to just dedicated airport limos etc?

And I do hope the bus plan goes forward, as the Chiang Mai songthaew system is just a mess. If a place like Udon or Ubon can at least color-code and number their designated-route songthaews, then why can't Chiang Mai...?

[Yappofloyd]

Khun jpatokal,

Metered taxis in CM is great but surely the most revealing info on the linked page, (apart from the "Northern Tourism not affected by Tsunami" headline), is the photo at the bottom of the elephant sitting, western style, on a flush toilet!

This must have been one of the pre-election, multi-billion baht promises that we all missed. Undoubtedly, to make CM a 'regional hub' for well-mannered and good hygiene elephants. Although, it may make for an uncomfortable 'side trip' for any tourist on board at the time for a ride when the elephant has to make a detour to the toilet! :D

[von Hirschhorn]

For years we had a nice municipal run bus system in Chiang Mai with yellow cars although dilapidated at least for the eye. On the road to Doi Saket at Bo Hin there was the garage (depot) where mechanics strips the obsolete cars to the frame and rebuilt them in what can be called 'own stile'. A charming enterprise and pure cheap public transport. After a private take over new aircon midi busses entered the theatre but not for long and Chiang Mai was without public transportation beside tuk-tuk and song-thaew. All red indeed and sometimes you had / have to flag down several before finding one going in the wanted direction or hire as a taxi with of course no flat price. (10 baht) [raised by another 10 on the moment of adding this 10.10.2006]
For all the years that I lived in Chiang Mai I am glad to had my own transportation, only relied on PBT (Public Transportation) would caused a lot of frustration.
After the circulation of a single city - compound loop (Kwang Viang) on the road to Hang Dong several years ago, a new enterprise started a single city loop with nice busses.
And now there are plans for a new system more or less with the same lines as before. Making profit with PBT is not as easy as thought and the question arise if you have to. In my opinion PBT is a primary need and should be established with taxpayers money, only if Chiang Mai really needs a billions costing subway system is another question.:confused:

[GWR]

http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/ChiangMain.shtml
^ Follow link for Interpretive report ^
http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/ChiangMap.gif

[Tettyan]

I have not heard any news about plans for a Chiang Mai LRT for quite a while. Is this for real??!!

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2005/11/10/national/index.php?news=national_19114235.html

Govt plan for trams in Chiang Mai
Published on November 10, 2005

City has a dire need for mass transport, deputy minister says

One of the most important problems facing Chiang Mai is the dire need for mass transportation, according to Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

Speaking at a seminar on Chiang Mai’s future public transport last week, he said 90 per cent of the city’s residents use private vehicles.

The Transport Ministry has therefore allocated Bt50 million for the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning to study and improve the city’s mass transit system. Negotiations are underway with the stubborn and unpopular Lanna Cooperatives Transport-ation, which has been fighting local authorities for decades to hold onto its monopoly of the city’s public transportation with 2,700 songtaews.

“We plan to introduce trams to the city in the near future,” the deputy minister said.

The launch of Chiang Mai’s first buses in more than a decade earlier this month was seen as a small victory for the authorities.

Although there are only 26 buses, the service was delayed for more than a year by the cooperative’s protests and opposition, making it clear that the road to sustainable transportation is not going to be easy. The air-conditioned buses now run a few city routes, but the municipality compromised and allowed 100 songtaews to run two main routes and to continue operating freely within the city.

So far, about 2,000 people use the bus service each day. The fact that air-conditioned buses cost Bt10 per person and a red songtaew costs Bt15 is considered a contributing factor to its success.

Chiang Mai Mayor Boonlert Buranuprakorn said that by next year Chiang Mai’s population will virtually double to three million. Expansion of roads and other serious measures must be implemented as soon as possible to respond to increasing traffic congestion. Huay Kaew road, the four-lane road linking the foot of Doi Suthep mountain to the city’s heart, will be expanded to six lanes next year, he said.

Atsadaporn Kamthai

The Nation

Chiang Mai

[von Hirschhorn]

… Chiang Mai Mayor Boonlert Buranuprakorn said that by next year Chiang Mai’s population will virtually double to three million. Huay Kaew road, the four-lane road linking the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain to the city’s heart, will be expanded to six lanes next year, he said …

Chiang Mai’s population … but for sure not that of the city it self – perhaps the province as a whole or the Chiang Mai district includes places like Hang Dong and San Kampheng, the birthplace of Mr. Thaksin.
During the past 21 years I saw Chiang Mai changing from a rural small city to what it is today, the intention to be a metropolis but not have that status, the senses of rural still streams through here vanes. If one looks at the situation of the inner city it will be rural for ever unless the whole will be demolished and replaced by ugly concrete, steel and shining glass façades.
The old idea to expand the city between the inner ring road and San Kampheng i.e. was / is a far better idea instead of planning subways to relieve the old situation. Too much traffic, of course, too many people also, something you hardly may say.
With that given situation only common sense can prohibit the worse. Common sense is free of economic pressure and politics and even personal interest. In that way the Thai still can learn something. (for some relieve not the Thai only)
Widening the Huay Kaew Road? Any one familiar with that road will have a hard laughter or maybe not and in that case sailing the same ship. More roads means only more traffic and again congestion and more widening. Etc.
Unfortunate there is no clear solution at least within the given situation, only drastic rethinking and revaluating the way we want to live together.

[Tettyan]

Looks like this is what Chiang Mai might end up with instead of light rail/trolleys. Which is a shame, because I always thought trolleys would be a good fit for a city like Chiang Mai - as in Karlschule, Germany or Hiroshima, Japan. But I wonder if BRT even is too ambitious for CM.



Traffic Relief for Chiang Mai -
Residents of northern capital can look forward to a better quality of life if Bt7-bn transit system is approved

by Kamol Sukin

May 7, 2006 - Residents of Chiang Mai and visitors to this northern city may soon get relief from the worsening traffic congestion, if the city gets the go-ahead for a Bt7-billion mass-transit system.

A public hearing on the proposed project will take place later this month and if given the green light, the 40km bus rapid transit system could be operational in the next two years.

Called the Chiang Mai Mass Transit System (CTS), the plan proposes four lines of rapid bus service with dedicated traffic lanes.

The system will cover a total of 150 square kilometres of the central and densely populated areas of Chiang Mai.

Dr Rangsun Udomsri of Chiang Mai University, who heads the feasibility study team, said the project would greatly increase the quality of life in this city of more than a million residents and tourists.

"The system will run across the inner city from north to south and from east to west. It's basically inside the Chiang Mai ancient wall. There will be a total of 70 bus stops.

"With each ticket, estimated to cost Bt15, you could start the journey at any of the 70 stops. When operational, the system will change the city's landscape and traffic flow for the better," he said.

"People will greatly benefit from the new mass-transit service. They can park private vehicles and motorbikes at places around the network and commute more conveniently and efficiently," he said, adding, "Less private vehicle traffic and congestion also means less pollution," he said.

Unless the city authority moves quickly to implement the project, Chiang Mai runs the risk of a traffic gridlock due to the relentless rise in the number of private vehicles and motorcycles, now totalling about 500,000.

This number will likely double to a million in the next decade, Rangsun warns. He said that residents and visitors currently made an average 1.8 million commutes per day, with 91 per cent of them using private vehicles.

Rungsan estimates that about 30 per cent of residents and tourists will switch to the mass transit, up from five per cent at present.

"It sounds great. It should turn Chiang Mai into my dream town. More people would also bike to the stops and take the mass transit," Nirandorn Phothikarnond, president of the Sunday Biking Club.

Junaphong Saranark, a Chiang Mai tourism official, said tourists would not only have a better choice of public transport but could also get round the city as well as commute to nearby districts like San Kamphaeng and Hang Dong at a lesser cost.

Narong Tananuwat, president of the city's Chamber of Commerce, said the project would help boost Chiang Mai's economy while protecting the environment and cultural heritage.

Narong said the city would likely opt for a bus rapid transit (BRT) system, using 18-metre-long public buses running inside dedicated traffic lanes.

"Building skytrain and subway systems is a lot more expensive than the BRT. The skytrain is also not good for a tourist city like Chiang Mai, while a subway could face hurdles in construction as we have lots of underground cultural and ancient sites around the town," he said.

Next week, the city will hold its first public hearing on the project. Another session is scheduled for May 15.

When the feasibility study by CMU's Faculty of Engineers is completed later this year, the project will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

According to Narong, public participation in the scheme will be the key to its success. Authorities are expecting opposition to the project from large numbers of taxi minibus operators whose businesses would be affected.

Songthaew operators have monopolised public transport in this town for decades.

Narong said songthaew operators and drivers should be offered an opportunity to be part of the new mass-transit system so as to help guarantee their income.

These converted pickup trucks could provide the feeder service for the mass transit.

After the initial 40km system is completed, the city also plans a second phase of development to cover six surrounding districts of Chiang Mai.

At this stage, it is still unclear which local authority will be in charge of operating the planned mass transit.

The Provincial Administrative Organisation has the jurisdiction, but it may lack experience in running a system of this scale so an alternative is to set up a special organisation to oversee the system.

The CTS scheme was approved in principle by the Cabinet several years ago, but the funding details have never been finalised.

"The central government should invest in the CTS as it is a public infrastructure project, and should be operated either by a special agency or by the private sector. The CTS would not be economically feasible without government financial support," Narong said.

Boonlert Buranuprakorn, the Chiang Mai mayor, said he remained optimistic the central government would continue to support the project.

"Even though the political situation is fluid, I believe the government will eventually give the green light since Chiang Mai is a major city and a tourism magnet," Boonlert said.

Narong added that the project was a major challenge for Chiang Mai in terms of sustainable development and, if the project succeeded in the city, it could inspire other big cities to follow suit.

[jpatokal]

Looks like this is what Chiang Mai might end up with instead of light rail/trolleys. Which is a shame, because I always thought trolleys would be a good fit for a city like Chiang Mai - as in Karlschule, Germany or Hiroshima, Japan. But I wonder if BRT even is too ambitious for CM.
But they're a natural choice after BRT's roaring success in Bangkok... oh, wait... :rolleyes:

[The Enforcer!]

But they're a natural choice after BRT's roaring success in Bangkok... oh, wait... :rolleyes:
Absolutely ... nothing breeds faster than success!

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

I saw a picture on Nation last week. It looked so ... well! BKK BRT!

I understand that it was originally planned as LRT. Who remembers the ridership?? 150,000 in 2025 something?

I think BRT does not fit in the old city as 3 lines run along old city road. Particularly if you want to build low rise curbs along the routes. You can operate LRT (2 car set) or even one off peak.

LRT looks very pleasing.

The real competition is from motorcycles not red buses. As far as I could tell, 50% of traffic are motorcycles.

And getting rid of red buses proves to be very difficult. You need a guy like Dirty Harry to get the job done!!

[Tettyan]

Gotta love the headline!



Buses most popular for Chiang Mai but costly
May 16, 2006

A study has concluded Chiang Mai's mass-transport needs would best be served by a rapid-bus system, but its estimated costs have doubled to Bt15 billion.

The bus system scored the highest of all options considered, the first public hearing into a mass-transit system for the northern capital was told yesterday.

The bus system scored a 59.7 per cent rating, said Dr Rangsan Udomsri of Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Engineering, who is leading the team studying the transit project. The options, including a subway and elevated train, were measured according to six criteria - engineering, traffic and transportation, economic, environment, social and land use, and public opinion, he said.

The subway and elevated-train options were the least appropriate, Rangsan said.

The two most competitive options were the bus system and tramcars. The latter, however, scored only a 40.3 per cent rating, he said.

Rangsan said of the bus system: "[It's] more economically viable, cheaper in maintenance and investment, and required less time for construction."

However, the system would cost Bt14.9 billion, if the internal rate of return (IRR) was calculated at 12 per cent, he said. This is double the Bt7 billion estimated by the study team last month.

Prasit Raksayos, a senior officer at the Transport Ministry, said Chiang Mai would face serious traffic and environmental problems within 10 years if it did not build a mass transit system. The study into the system began in January and will end in November, when bidding will start. The study includes both phases of Chiang Mai's mass-transit system.

Rangsan estimated the second phase - which will connect six surrounding districts to the city - should cost Bt17.1 billion, at a 12 per cent IRR.

Administration expert Chatri Ruangdejnarong said the new transit system should be run by a public organisation, rather than local organisations such as the Chiang Mai municipality.

Meanwhile, Chiang Mai mayor Boonlert Buranapakorn said the proposal to build 11 kilometres of flood-prevention walls along the Ping River had been shelved due to opposition.

The mayor said this year's flood-prevention measures would rely on 200,000 sandbags. He also said no budget had been approved for flood prevention this year and the Bt50 million promised by the central government last year had yet to arrive.

-Nisanart Katanyutanon & Khwandao Jitphana, The Nation, Chiang Mai

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/05/16/national/national_30004114.php

[von Hirschhorn]

A million people living in Chiang Mai….???
No way or yes in the province but not (only) in town (Muang) impossible with today’s infra.
The same applies for bus lanes especially in the inner mote, impossible as well other than damage the sphere as a total through severe demolition.
Chiang Mai was developed for pedestrians, elephants and oxcarts tucked away from every bustling city live, a friendly village where one could dream. You still can dream if you want and take some fumes for granted.
The problem with this city lies in the fact that almost all business seems to be done within a few square kilometre, near or around the inner mote. Behind and within the former walls it’s still a sort of oxcart time.
Years ago there was a brilliant plan to extend the city towards San Kampheng in the North or Hang Dong in the South and relieve the (old) inner city from his rush.
Nothing heard of this in later years, instead plan after plan came to daylight only thinking on more asphalt, or in the best at rail, not knowing that more roads creating more appetite to use them and create new gridlocks.
The old concept of building for sure has limits in the way how much traffic it can handle, especially in such a narrow and vulnerable small space like Chiang Mai’s inner city.
If you are not prepared to tear down the whole and rebuild it in a more constructive manner – that means adopted on today’s situation – the only option left is the plan mentioned before; an extended city.
Rail therein can (and shall) do her trick, give people a choice, an alternative in transportation, or as a prohibitive measure to use a motorcycle (Honda dream... what’s in a name) or car in moving free around. Somewhere and somehow more drastic measures become a necessity. With talking and planning alone one does not solve the gridlocks.
The best thing I bought during my last stay in October: a Berndtson & Berndtson Chiang Mai city centre map (laminated as well) with all the subway lines already in place.
Marvellous, a far-sighted publisher or ordinary dreamer. Anyway, a delicate piece of information for the future.
Hopefully the rail lobby is more effective than her counter partner the car, or speaking in Chiang Mai terms; the gang of the ‘song taew drivers’ and their red small trucks. (in my opinion a bus is something else) It’s just a wild guess that it could have been them who killed the former municipal bus system in order to gain more income and (total) control of local transportation.
On the other hand also politicians – the decision makers – do not appear clean handed in case of being corrupt. Power… and meanwhile the pain lingers on! :rolleyes:

[von Hirschhorn]

This information was written first in another thread: Northern Branches but accutaly belongs here, so again in slightly different form.

Yesterday I did my first two rides on the newly municipal bus system. Nice after a so long time being deprived of it. The whole operates under the name: Chiang Mai Public Transportation CMB = Chiang Mai Bus. Website: www.chiangmaibus.com
5 lines: 2. 6. 11. 12. 13. Aircon midi busses, some with seats in the lenght.(subway like) My first impression is fine although not fast and not only caused by heavy traffic. My trips were far from overloaded with other passengers. A few here and there for several stops (marked ones).
From the Airport I took the 11 to the Arcade bus station, had a nice chat with the staff, and took the 6 back to the Airport,all together a little more than two hours. Fun riding although nothing new for me route wise. In the brochure the 6 is called: around city Chiang Mai, a loop line in both directions: 6/L and 6/R. I drove clockwise via the outskirts and university compound.
Till the end of January there's a huge garden exhibition which as predicted will attract around 3 million visitors. For the purpose a special direct line is set up direct from the railway station and run with (some) Bangkok buses - the yellow / orange ones. The ones I saw departing were well filled.
Further more there is a (private?) city loop line from the airport via the innercity to a big living quarter just out of the city (Suburbs of the more wealthy) and called: The Kwang Viang - Chiang Mai city loop.
For all means they are not started yet with the so wanted subway. Since the political theatre drasticaly changed, it will be plans only I suppose. Plans as there were plenty and never got implemented. For the latter however, this will be fine although some may think different about it. :(

[pong]

For that Royal Rachapruek flower show (I hope I spell it correct, as i have no example at hand here) has 3 or 4 dedicated shuttle buses: They need them, as at least 20.000 visitors a day are expected (and ame till now) with as much as 100.000 on peakdays expected.
1.to Arcade(+ the big busstation in Cmai), via train station
2.to hotels in the city (most likely a loop around ThaPae-Nightmarket)
3.to airport
Seems to eithe rbeen included in ticket price or a separate 15 baht fare applies.
If those are in fact BKK/BMTA buses, then there really must be a big drain on the resources of this BMTA; as the new airport also requies some 100 additional buses for the new routes-these seem to be taken off other routes who now have far more old red=thammada buses as before.
But the big white bendibuses (artics) from MercBenz and Ikarus were also first used on ASEAN and other games, both in ChMai and somewhere else before they came in BKK's cityservice.

[von Hirschhorn]

Sorry Pong, but I did not explore yet the other shuttle services, for sure they are not all run by BMTA busses, those BTMA - I saw - only departing from a newly created bus station on the ground of the former SRT station Hotel, opposite the main road at the end of the long station square (car park and home of the 340 ex RhB steamer and some trolley's were ones the 31 was placed on plinth) Although I am anything exept a flower freak, next week I'll try a ride with a BMTA bus, perfect for my book of records (Public Transport Notation - rides put in a system [I](exell file) with all sorts of parameters)
It can be a fun ride with less 'rot thit' as the 'yellow's' used to encounter in their home town, and not only why it's for free.
A day out at the park, I take the meanwhile battered flowers for granted. :D

[von Hirschhorn]

...For that Royal Rachapruek flower show (I hope I spell it correct, as I have no example at hand here) ...

Almost correct: Royal Flora Ratchaphruek
or even more correct: The Majestic Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006
1 November 2006 till 31 January 2007 in Chiang Mai of course; the rail head of the Northern line, 751 Km from Hua Lamphong station.
Exept from the shuttle services to and from, there's also an In-Show transit with a 60 seat vehicle - open car plus trailer (designed for the purpose) - for a 30-40 minute roundtrip. Fee: 30 baht.
Here is a complete list of the shuttles:

1 Royal Flora shuttle
Service provided by the BMTA: Railway Station - Expo ground
free service 08.00 - 21.00 (every 10 minutes)
travel time 30 minutes

2 City Express
Two lines: 11 and 13 run by CMB = Chiang Mai Bus
arrival from 06.00 - 20.00
return from 07.30 - 21.00
travel time 1.30

3 Airport Express
Service fee 40 baht provide by Northern Car Rental Business Club
08.00 - 21.00 (every 30 minutes)

4 Hotel Express
Service fee 40 baht provide by Northern Car Rental Business Club
08.00 - 21.00 (every 30 minutes)
44 hotels are connected

For the bus buff a heaven on earth, and yes Khun Pong, as soon as the sun sets it's rather cool here in the North, not to say cold in the early mornings. Well... how it feels to be in Diemen while it's winter? :D

[pong]

I am now posting in the THAI royal Orchid Silk lounge in new Suv-poom, as I escape the Diemen winter to stay in Thailand (and will not come when its rainy here and summer home....). Mind you even in Diemen we had a change from the old regime buses (Centraal Nederland, then Connexxion) to now the GVB serving about all+sundry. By magic they even are able to keep to times... a rather not very strong thing on GVB whatsoever. As I am a busfreak: are these new yet-to-come in BKk buses? any main fleetnrs noted? or the (we call them usually orange) EURO-2 stdd. AirCon buses with brown seats/ nrd. like 44/55/66 series (hino/isuzu/daewoo/or McBz). Thanks for the response anyway, and maybe I'll make it to the cool rose of the north in my next trip- febr 2007.

[von Hirschhorn]

As I wrote first: tomorrow I'll do the rides to the fair, later I changed this till next week. I shall make note of the 'spotted ones' for you, so read this thread once in a while.
O.K. we turn the "Yellow's" - yellow's thus - in "Orange," fits perfectly with our background. Trix (the Dutch queen) would be happy.

[von Hirschhorn]

Here’s some background about the BMTA service in Chiang Mai.
They came with 10 busses and 35 man staff to run a free shuttle between the Railway Station and the Exhibition ground. For the true spotter some numbers:

7-55029
7-55075
7-55076
7-55082
7-55143
7-55147

The rest of them I did not see (today) and might be a challenge to collect on your own, Chiang Mai is always worth a visit.
If you come, I'll see you round the turntable.

[pong]

Khap khun, This means they are not brand-new but some 5-6 yrs old, ISUZU, based in Nonthaburi/Ta-Id depots and formerly used on some routes to/fro Vict.Mon-Nonthaburi. The fairly low nr. sent seems to suggest the BMTA must face a big challenge with all those new Suv-poom buslines andstill running shuttlebuses IN the airportcompount too! I was moreasusual interested, as early this year a giant new order to reorganise the BMTA/BKK's buses of some 4000 new AC buses (and it also seems any new batch gets a new color=means higher fares as hitherto) was announced, and often these new batches were used at some important manifestation. Here in BKK thus no sign whatsoever of new buses (that 4000 is also not new: the now old red buses also came in giant batches of 1500/1800 per year to total 3200).
I'll be in BKK this time (with 1 week in Myanmar next week) but on my next visit to LOS= febr '07 I do intend to again see a litle more of LanNa, if only also the revived ChMai's bussystem!

[von Hirschhorn]

Well Pong, if you come, give a call and we can have a meet or / and ride together. :)

[Wisarut]

Khun Totomaru has pointed out that Chiangmai is askign for BRT as shown in this followign web site:

http://www.chiangmaitransit.com/index.php

http://www.chiangmaitransit.com/active_map/mainmap.jpg

[The Enforcer!]

Khun Totomaru has pointed out that Chiangmai is askign for BRT
What a way to destroy the beauty of Chiang Mai.

The Enforcer!

[GWR]

:rolleyes: I don't know if there is a Thai equivalent of the 'silly season', but I do note that Provincial Governors are amongst those most likely to indulge themselves in flights of fancy with huge environmentally-degrading megaprojects: -

120km cable car for Chiang Mai

A cable car style project has been proposed in order to bypass 1,000 curves on the route between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.

The project, proposed by a foreign investor, is to build a 120-km-long cable car system from Chiang Mai to Pai, the top tourist destination in Mae Hong Son, and to the town of Mae Hong Son, the provincial governor Direk Konkleep revealed in a local radio broadcast yesterday.

"The province is a popular tourist destination, but transportation is too inconvenient. This project would help tourists and be good for the province's economy," Direk said.

The system would transfer passengers to Mae Hong Son town with a fare of Bt500-700 per person. If approved, the construction would be started this year and take three years to finish. The investor is sending engineers to survey the route this week, Direk said.

"We are making the improvement of transportation a high priority because tourism in the province is growing as is cross-border trade."

Poonsak Soonthornpinijkij, president of the Mae Hong Son Chamber of Commerce said he agreed with the idea, as it would ease transport problems in the province.

However, the project has to be eco-friendly so that it does not have any harmful effects on the environment and natural surroundings.

"If the benefits exceed any drawbacks, I will support the project."

Visutr Buachum, head of Mae Hong Son's tourism coordination centre, also supported the idea, saying that it would attract moretourists to the province as cable cars would be a better way to transfer passengers than for them to travel by aeroplane.

Previously, the province, together with the Highways Department, had pushed for the construction of a 175-km-long road between Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai Samoeng. But the project did not materialise because a study found the project would cost around Bt15 billion.

Another plan to build a cable-car system to the Phu Kradung plateau in Loei caused some controversy when local conservationists protested against it.


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/07/headlines/headlines_30026196.php

[von Hirschhorn]

I don't know if there is a Thai equivalent of the 'silly season',

Hopefully there is, and hopefully they are able to laugh about themselves and afterwards try to be a bit more constructive.
For the sake of Boeddha in this case, keep the mass tourism away from that area. Yes, money makes the world go round.... 'Liza' sing it but for the Thai cabaret is only self interest. :rolleyes:

[Yappofloyd]

This seems even more absurd than the normal provincial grandiose tourist schemes. Perhaps everyone was onserving one of the Ya Ba fires and inhaled too many fumes? I mean really a 120km cable care would take at least 3 hrs and more liek 5 to make the journey! Why not just build an underground railway or a maglev:rolleyes:

[Wisarut]

Well, for thsoe self-senter bumpkins, they don't EVEN need fistfull of Speed Pills to come up with such as grandiose tourist schemes.

I have seen A LOTS for grandios Schemes from thsoe Bumpkins so I can concluded that the a bunch of Self-Center men without doubt ...

[GWR]

It seems Chiang-Mai is about to embark on a mass transit program which involves long-term planning on a scale that will put Singapore completely in the shade. Spot the commitment :D : -

Chiang Mai seeks budget for mass transit system

Chiang Mai - The Chiang Mai Municipality is seeking a budget to support the launch of the city's new mass transit system - the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) which will provide a service on four main routes covering a total distance of 106 kilometres.

The first phase of the operation will take 310 years after which the routes will be expanded to offer wider access to residents.

"Chiang Mai's new mass transit system is worth investing in considering the increase of pollution and traffic congestion", said Mayor Boonlert.

The transit system was planned by the Office of Traffic Policy and Planning and Chiang Mai University's Engineering Service Centre and the master plan, feasibility study and design is now complete.

The buses will use NGV gas and a digital system. The working group expects the construction of the system to start by 2008 and its full operation to be launched by the end of 2010.

Citylife

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30026744

[jpatokal]

"The buses will use NGV gas and a digital system."
The buses will use a digital system? A digital system! I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the other engineers here on 2bkk to say that now I'm impressed. Death to analog buses! Long live the digital system! :eek:

[TGunner]

The buses will use a digital system? A digital system! I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the other engineers here on 2bkk to say that now I'm impressed. Death to analog buses! Long live the digital system! :eek:

And only 310 years from now to achieve it too (bar any usual delays and hiccups of course)! :D I'm thrilled for my great great great great great great great great great grand children. :D

[Yappofloyd]

Good to see that this project is moving ahead even if it will take a few years (hopefully not really 310 years - another great thai paper typo!?) I still think that light rail would be the best system in Chian Mai especially given the narrow streets but I understand concern regarding the effect of vibrations on some old structures.

Chiang Mai seeks budget for mass transit system The Nation 14/02/07 Citylife

Chiang Mai - The Chiang Mai Municipality is seeking a budget to support the launch of the city's new mass transit system - the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) which will provide a service on four main routes covering a total distance of 106 kilometres.The first phase of the operation will take 310 years after which the routes will be expanded to offer wider access to residents. "Chiang Mai's new mass transit system is worth investing in considering the increase of pollution and traffic congestion", said Mayor Boonlert.

The transit system was planned by the Office of Traffic Policy and Planning and Chiang Mai University's Engineering Service Centre and the master plan, feasibility study and design is now complete.The buses will use NGV gas and a digital system. The working group expects the construction of the system to start by 2008 and its full operation to be launched by the end of 2010.

[The Enforcer!]

Did this have a map or list of stops - I did not get to see a paper yesterday.

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

I doubt BRT will work in Chiang Mai.

I do not oppose the idea of mass transit, but BRT may be proved to be ... impractical! At least it takes one lane in each direction (exclusive use?). Plus you need aditional facilities for enforcement (ie curb?, signal?)

Peak Hour bus lanes may be a better option. I do not know! It is more realistic! Why invest more when you can pay less.

What should be done is to enforce strict land use laws. It can help control the urban sprawl. Last year I went to Chiang Mai and saw lots of residential buildings under construction...beyond the ring road. Mass transit is no use in such condition. People will tend to drive and they are willing to drive. At least motorcycle is the cheaper mode (+faster) than bus.

When I realize it is OTP's study..... Oh, dear! remember 10 mass transit lines?

OK!, what about the elevated highway in the Gulf of Thailand? (Lam Pak Baer) :o

[Wisarut]

Those who live Chaingmai Municipal have already FED UP with the red minibuses so BRT is a welcome measure for them :p :) ;) :cool:
Lame Phak Bai is NO More ....

[The Enforcer!]

From what I recall of Chiang Mai streets they are very narrow - how will BRT work - there is no room for dedicated lanes surely?

The Enforcer!

[TGunner]

Ideally, I'd like to see them go with a monorail system... But I guess it can only be just a dream.

[Nekochan]

How do they get the money? I do not think Thailand economy is really that good! You buy something in cash and the shopkeeper is really pleased! They are happy to have cash.:rolleyes:

Even JBIC did not grant soft loan to MRTA. It should have been sure thing!

If they have budget, they should go to get LRT. It could be a partial underground system.

One thing left: what to do with red "song tao". Once a colleague told me he had taken red song tao and found shotguns behind the back seat. They typically use them to "settle" dispute among operators.

That's real wild wild west.

[TGunner]

How do they get the money? I do not think Thailand economy is really that good! You buy something in cash and the shopkeeper is really pleased! They are happy to have cash.:rolleyes:

Even JBIC did not grant soft loan to MRTA. It should have been sure thing!

If they have budget, they should go to get LRT. It could be a partial underground system.

One thing left: what to do with red "song tao". Once a colleague told me he had taken red song tao and found shotguns behind the back seat. They typically use them to "settle" dispute among operators.

That's real wild wild west.

I think JBIC will eventually decide to lend us the money. They are reluctant right now probably because of the perceived political instability. They might also be trying to force our government to reconsider the FBA issue and sign the FTA with them as soon as possible...

[The Enforcer!]

They might also be trying to force our government to reconsider the FBA issue and sign the FTA with them as soon as possible...
Hope so - they are the only country with any clout.

The Enforcer!

[TGunner]

Hope so - they are the only country with any clout.

The Enforcer!

:o :) ....................................

[jpatokal]

The Chiang Mai Zoo monorail looks like a classic Von Roll (http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/TPVon.html), and in fact looks very similar to the now dismantled old Sentosa Monorail (http://www.monorails.org/tMspages/Sentosa.html). The train styling is a little more modern, but the track looks precisely identical, down to the green paint. The trains can carry just 30 people per car, so that 4-car set in the picture has a maximum capacity of 120.

Very little info about this system available online though, even the zoo's website (http://www.chiangmaizoo.com/publicphp/) doesn't mention it?

http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/11/p1news/images/30048616-01.jpg

[GWR]

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

It's a bit expensive, but I suspect 40 baht for locals & 100 baht for tourists is one of those all-day hop-on, hop-off & hop-on again deals:

Monorail goes through test runs at zoo
Foreigners to pay higher price
Saksit Meesubkwang

Photo now longer operative!
[Photo: Chiangmai Mail - The Chiang Mai zoo monorail goes through test runs as it prepares to enter into service in November.]

The 200 million baht monorail project at the Chiang Mai zoo went through several test runs as it prepares to enter into service in November.

Members of the Board of Zoos Organization of Thailand carried out an inspection of the project and concluded that more greenery will need to be added along the routes of the elevated transportation system.

Mr. Prasert Kasemkomase Managing Director of Assets Co Ltd said the construction of the monorail began in 2005. The contract with the Chiang Mai zoo states that Assets company will receive 50% of the profits until the term expires and the zoo will take sole ownership of the monorail in 20 years.

The test runs were conducted to ensure all safety procedures and mechanisms were in working order. Tests included preparing staff on how to handle situations such as power cuts or accidents.

The monorail system will has 50 carriages able to transport passengers over a two kilometer route above the Chiang Mai zoo.

The monorails maximum speed has been set at 35 kilometers per hour.

Ticket prices for Thai nationals have been set at 40 baht while foreigners will be charged 100 baht for the ride.

The adjacent marine park is still under construction and 70% complete according to the zoo officials and it is expected to open after the monorail system becomes operational.

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd2

[GWR]

Zoo to ban cars
As of December 8, cars will no longer be allowed to enter Chiang Mai Zoo.

Saksit Meesubkwang
As of December 8 the Chiang Mai zoo will ban cars and force drivers to park their cars at the main entrance.
Previously cars packed with passengers were given the green light to drive through the zoo forcing pedestrians to make way for the vehicles while trying to enjoy a day at the park and forcing the animals to breathe in carbon monoxide.
Also on December 8 the long awaited monorail will begin service giving visitors a unique view from above the zoo.
The cost of the ticket has now increased said Mr. Tanapat Pongpamorn, Director of the Chiang Mai Zoo. The entry fee including a monorail ride for Thai citizens and residents will cost 100 baht while foreigners will pay 200 baht.

More on this monorail:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17026&postcount=26
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17331&postcount=27

And on Chiang-Mai's future transport plans:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17331&highlight=monorail#post17331

[GWR]

See also previous post on a related Chiangmai Zoo story:



More on this monorail:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17026&postcount=26
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17331&postcount=27

And on Chiang-Mai's future transport plans:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17331&highlight=monorail#post17331

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1

Monorail at zoo rolls into service

Newest thrill to come to the city
Saksit Meesubkwang

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/pictures/n1-Monorail-i.jpg
[Photo: Chiangmai Mail]

The long awaited Chiang Mai Zoo monorail has finally rolled out into service. Trial runs are being conducted between December 12-20 when visitors can enjoy the thrill of riding one of Chiang Mai’s newest attractions at no charge.

Thanaphat Pongpamorn, Chiang Mai Zoo director and Prasert Kasemkomes, Monorail Project director introducing the new project on December 11 said, “The monorail allows visitors to ride around the entire perimeter giving an elevated view of Chiang Mai city, as well as watching all the animals below. The operation of the tram service will cause no ill effects on the animals and generate no noise and air pollution. The tram operation is controlled by the latest and safest technology available.”

This monorail system was developed under a joint venture of the Thai Monorail Company and Ampan Technology. Research on the tram system began in 2003 and its first trial run was conducted in 2005 followed by initial test runs at the zoo the following year.

The zoo’s monorail track is 47 centimeters wide. The total length of the route is 2 kilometers with four stations along the way. The air-conditioned tram has a capacity of 50-70 seats.

The operators of the monorail have established fees at the following rates - 50 baht for children, 70 baht for adults and 150 baht for foreigners.

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd1

[Yappofloyd]

Good to see that this project is moving ahead even if it will take a few years (hopefully not really 310 years - another great thai paper typo!?) I still think that light rail would be the best system in Chian Mai especially given the narrow streets but I understand concern regarding the effect of vibrations on some old structures.

Chiang Mai seeks budget for mass transit system The Nation 14/02/07 Citylife

Chiang Mai - The Chiang Mai Municipality is seeking a budget to support the launch of the city's new mass transit system - the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) which will provide a service on four main routes covering a total distance of 106 kilometres.The first phase of the operation will take 310 years after which the routes will be expanded to offer wider access to residents. "Chiang Mai's new mass transit system is worth investing in considering the increase of pollution and traffic congestion", said Mayor Boonlert.

The transit system was planned by the Office of Traffic Policy and Planning and Chiang Mai University's Engineering Service Centre and the master plan, feasibility study and design is now complete.The buses will use NGV gas and a digital system. The working group expects the construction of the system to start by 2008 and its full operation to be launched by the end of 2010.

So of course no construction yet but does anyone know if any funds were allocated by the govt.? I don't remember reading anything on the issue in the last 6 months. Any news from OTPP?

Perhaps a PPP led govt. will be more inclined to provide funds....

[von Hirschhorn]

… So of course no construction yet …It’s my hometown and nothing heard if they provide any funds and if there were I think there are more urgent problems to solve. Garbage disposal for instance.
A 106 km of BRT in our beloved ‘village’ would be an ultimate luxury, if it will be ever implemented I foresee another war with the Song Thaeo drivers first. This is still the backbone of transportation. Have a look how the newly Government operated bus system functions, if it runs on his last leg.
The only constructions finished are the underpasses on the so called super highway, Chiang Mai’s first ring road. (Not total)
Long ago started and laying idle in the sun as construction site for years. Apparently funds were tapped somewhere. Somewhere, somehow there’s hope.

[GWR]

32 is a lot of vehicles to buy in one fell-swoop for a free service. I note also that this type of vehicle has a very limited distance range:

Electric vehicle transport at CMU is clean, green and safe
Aim is also to raise environmental awareness
Saksit Meesubkwang

http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/current/pictures/home-CMU-pollution.jpg
[Photo: Chiangmai mail - Students now enjoy free and environmentally harmless transportation on the CMU grounds.]

Public transport in the education year 2008 around Chiang Mai University’s extensive campus will be by electric vehicles; a clean, green, efficient, safe and economical solution in full accord with current environmental policy, according to the deputy president of CMU’s Physical and Environmental Management System, Dr. Ekachai Sang-In.

The system should help to reduce car usage on the campus, with its attendant parking, traffic management, environmental and accident problems, and should also raise environmental awareness amongst students, staff and visitors. CMU has 32 electric vehicles in service, which can run for a distance of 8 km without recharging. A 7 day non-stop service is provided, running from 7 am until 9 pm, with 450 scheduled journeys on weekdays and 230 on weekends.

Non-specific link:
http://www.chiangmai-mail.com/