Build-up to Opening Feb 1, 2005 [Archive]

Wisarut

01-09-03, 12:51 PM

Khun Kiku, Khun Marseil,

There will be a plastic token and a smart card system for subway system ... Token system is due to the condition attached on
the JBIC loan ...even though MRTA wish to use the magnetic system as Skytrain for system compatibility ...

However, the smart card system is the future ... which forces BTSC to install the smart card system (at least one gate for each side ---> initially at the first 3 interchange stations (Asok, Mochit, Saladaeng), important stations (Siam, Victory Monument, Chitlom, Ploenchit, Phromphong, Ekmai), and terminals (Saphan Taksin, National Stadium, Onnut, and Taksin Intersection [after 2004], Samrong Tai [after 2006]) ...

BTSC hopes that after the settlement on the revenue
clearing house, BTSC will be able to install the smart card
system without problems ... if the creditors approve such
a plan.

Nihtan

07-09-03, 12:15 PM

Hi
I am a new member of this forum, I have found this site when I was applying for a job with BMCL and now I am one of its member to bring the Subway to its success in operations. Well, thanks to Khun Wisarut whose information helps me a lot in updating the news and environment information which is useful to my work.

One thing I always wonder... about the members... what are your profession? why do you have deep interest with the Subway operation in BKK? Well, nothing more that just curious.

Let's share the idea in the coming future then.

Cheers. Nihtan

Wisarut

08-09-03, 02:34 PM

Khun Nihtan,

Well, I would like to ask you a few questions since you are an employee of BMCL.

1) About SOutehrn Extension of Blue Line -> what will be the section cross chao Phraya -> an underwater tunnel or the old leftover bridge from defunct Lavalin (new proposal)? Or
the underwater tunnel (the old proposal)?

2) About Orange line, Is it possible to modified the route
so as to pick up the passengers at Makksan Station which
will become the terminal for Airport Express.
The connection at Phetburi for Airport Commuter alone
will NEVER work, trust me! Passengers could NOt wait
for the commuter line to Airport!

Even though SRT is planning to extend Airport Express to Bangsue, it is unlikely to be done at any time soon unless
SRT has come up with a resolution about the elevated tracks
that pass Chitladda Palace. It would be better if SRT
integrates Airport Express and Airport Commuter with the Northern Commuter o as to pick up the passenger in
Northern BKK (Bangsue - Donmuang - Rangsit) and
revitalize Donmuang as an option airport ...

3) About the Yellow Line, I think MRTA should handle this
Yellow line (Lad Phrao - Chokchai 4 - Bang Kapi - Hua Mark -
Sri Nakharin- Thepharak - Samrong to relief the traffic
congestion along Lad Phrao and Sri Nakharin Road ->
Lad Phrao elevated way linking Tollway and Kanchanapohisek Ring Road -with trolly bus services along the elevated way
will NEVERR work! Trust me!

4) The Purple line (Pakkret - Maungthong Thani - Prachachuen -
Tao Poon) should be revived so as to get more passnger to IMPACT convention Center.

5) About the Ring Line -> choose the section which pick up more passengers as well as the section to get more coverage first
-> Thus the Northern section (Bangsue - Bang Pho - Charansanitwongse - Pin Klao - Tha Phra) is the first section to be done since Taksin Extension of Skytrain and Soutehrn Extension of Blue line will pick up those who live in SOuthern
and cnetral Thonburi. and the Northern RIng will pick up those who live in Northern Thonburi.

6) To ensure to coverage in Greater Bangkok, MRTA should help
the local authorities (BMA, City Hall of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and later on Pathum Thani and Samut Sakhon) to come up with their own system linking with MRTA. For the case of BMA, it should be FULL INTEGRATION (both ticket and rolling stock interchanges) and EXPANSION to ensure that all 50 districts
(or at least the 13 new cities within the juridicition of BMA)
will be covered by Skytrain-Subway system.

Stardardization of Rolling stocks will enable MRTA and local authority to achieve the Economic of scales - allowing local assembly of rolling stock to to meet the increasign demands.
The customization of Roling stock will enable the smaller provinces to have mass transit systems ... whcih can be integrated with the system in the majro cities.

To make such a integration and expansion possible, the MRTA maintainance center will need to have a facility to assemble the local-mad rolling stocks (licensed from Siemens or so)
and rehabilitation facilities for the 2nd hand rolling stocks imported from Japan.

Hope you guys will come up with responses and solutions very
soon.

Wisarut

Fatwol

08-09-03, 02:47 PM

Is it possible to see a map of all these planned lines in relation to major roads? I can't imagine it right now!

Thanks!!

Wisarut

08-09-03, 05:05 PM

Go to http://www.mrta.co.th/project/project_.htm
However, the names of those rodes are in Thai though.

The map also pretty old ... Ned got be revised.

Wisarut

Fatwol

09-09-03, 08:40 PM

I'm an economist with a professional and personal interest in Thailand.

Manicek

11-09-03, 07:00 PM

Hello everybody!
Could anybody inform me whether exists any plan to bilt subway line to area of Democracy monument respective to quarter Banglanpoo?(Khao San, King Palace or close to bridge Pinklao)
Thanks:cool:

Wisarut

11-09-03, 11:15 PM

Khun Manicek,

Even though the 1995 plan stated that SRT should build a line from Yommaraj to Bangkok Noy and Talingvhan via Lan Luang, Ratchadamnoen Avenue .... However, the plan is not materialized .... Furthermore, SRT has revised the plan fro the section to Taliangchan via Souther railway since the cost ot put the underground commuter to Talingchan via
Bangkok Noy is TOO MUCH ... and It is Heaven forbid to
allow the elevated track along Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Now Gen Salang would like to ask SRT to revived such a route. However, it would be a lot better if SRT allows MRTA to handle this section instead.

Well, MRTA has their own plan by starting the Southern
Extensionwhich strikes through Rattanakosin Island via
Charoen Krung Road and then underwater tunnel to Tha Phra ....

FUrthermore, the Orange Line of MRTA is heafing to Rattakosin Islan via Ratchavithee Road, and then turn left to Bang lamphoo
via Samsen Road. After than, the lines is goign along City Moat
to Memorial Bridge before going across Chao Phraya. At least Bang Lamphoo section is for those in Khao San Road while they can go to the Grand Palace by making an itnerchange at Wang Boorapha.

Now, Premier Thaksin is asking MRTA to implement the
Northern Ring (Bangsue - Taopoon - Wognsawang - Rama VI
- Bang Oh - Bang Plad - Charan Sanitwongse - Pinkloa - Samyaek Faichai - Tha Phra) .... This route is passing Charansitwonge
Road (part of Ratchadapisek Road) - very closed to hsi own
Palace (Ban Chan Song Lah, Charansitwongse 69) ...

However, Premier Thakisn has punished those people from
Samut Prakarn who Don't viote for his party by delaying
Samrong Extension .... and he didn't help BTSC to deal
with the creditors -> very serious punishment indeed!

Wisarut

Kiku99

12-09-03, 11:07 PM

Having mass transit to around Banglampoo would help boost tourism in Bangkok since there are so many foreigners living in Khaosand Rd. area.

I just wished that the Orange line could be extended to Bangkapi. Lad Pao, Ram Kamhaeng area are so BUSY and COnGESTED.

Wisarut

13-09-03, 07:00 PM

KhunKiku,
Premier Thaksin wants to punish those Southerners - staunch supporters of Democrat Party - Well, Ram Khamhaeng area
has lots of Sohterners since many students of Ramkhamhaeng University come from the SOuth .... If those SOuhterners vote for Thai Rak Thai, the Extension of Orange Line from MRTA Depot
(actually Thai Cultural center) to Bang Kapi and Minburi will be
implemented shortly.

Wisarut

Kiku99

18-09-03, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by Wisarut
KhunKiku,
Premier Thaksin wants to punish those Southerners - staunch supporters of Democrat Party - Well, Ram Khamhaeng area
has lots of Sohterners since many students of Ramkhamhaeng University come from the SOuth .... If those SOuhterners vote for Thai Rak Thai, the Extension of Orange Line from MRTA Depot
(actually Thai Cultural center) to Bang Kapi and Minburi will be
implemented shortly.

Wisarut
It's all about politics:D

Kiku99

18-09-03, 02:38 PM

I am just a student who is interested in Urban Studies.:)

ncr

18-09-03, 08:23 PM

Sure it's all about politics! ;)

Still, what a childish and narrow-minded attitude. Why not strive to do the best thing for the benefit of society as a whole (and it's clear for everyone to see that pushing major public transport projects in BKK should be a number one priority.....) and thus maybe try to gain new voters, rather than to punish certain groups. Firmly committing yourself to improving the catastrophic traffic situation here, irrespective of party politics and ulterior motives, would boost any politician's reputation for sure.

But the actions of this ultra-populist, hyper-hypocritical government really don't surprise me anymore. (I just keep marvelling at the incredible boldness with which those Thai Rak Thai people churn out nonsense, practice nepotism of the worst kind and follow their vested interests every single day. And the overwhelming majority of Thai people either don't seem to notice, to bother about it, or even think they have a fantastic PM...)

Sad, really sad. :mad:

Note: I really don't intend to talk about Thailand in a negative way. I love this country. But the current political scenery just makes me very angry.

nitipatt

25-09-03, 08:09 PM

K.Wisarut,
I think your questions are directly concern to MRTA.
BMCL respondsibility are separated to 2 phases.
1. Provide M&E Equipments (such as Rolling Stock, Power Supply, PSD, etc.) for the system. And
2. Operate the subway for 25 years before transfer the system back to MRTA.
So, the system infrastructure and network extension will be MRTA responsibility.

ooddy

03-11-03, 10:39 AM

wondering where I can find specifications for the subway rail car, i.e. the size, length, width, power, accel. decel. break. Is it the same as the skytrain's?

Wisarut

03-11-03, 04:32 PM

Well, I got the data from MRTA during the exhibition form October 23 to Nov 2 ... Even though many pare are the same as Skytrain rolling stock ... but the acceleration adn deceleration is very different -> 0.9 m/s^2 accellleration for Subway and 1.2 m/s^2 acceleration for Skytrain ... and deleration for subway is 0.9 m/s^2 and the 1.34 m/s^2 deceleration fo Skytrain ....

After all, SKytrain is designed to handle about 10000 signals whiole Subway is designedto handle 60,000 signals .... Now, you get the iadea kHon OOodd ...

ooddy

03-11-03, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by Wisarut
Well, I got the data from MRTA during the exhibition form October 23 to Nov 2 ... Even though many pare are the same as Skytrain rolling stock ... but the acceleration adn deceleration is very different -> 0.9 m/s^2 accellleration for Subway and 1.2 m/s^2 acceleration for Skytrain ... and deleration for subway is 0.9 m/s^2 and the 1.34 m/s^2 deceleration fo Skytrain ....

After all, SKytrain is designed to handle about 10000 signals whiole Subway is designedto handle 60,000 signals .... Now, you get the iadea kHon OOodd ...

Khun Wisarut,

Thank you for the information.
Did Seimens use the same car body as the Skytrain's? I would assume that they try to maximiize the profit margin by using most of the components to the maximum extent possible, from the Skytain's.

I would be interesting to compare notes on the subject. I thought I saw the specifications of the Skytrain somewhere. Not sure where...

And I suppose we will not know the true cost of the railcar because of it's bundled with other stuff in the project.

Wisarut

03-11-03, 09:57 PM

Khun Ooody,

Naaah, Not that so! it's due to tightening Schedule
that compell Siemens to sue Skytrain prototype as the prototype of the new Subway rolling stocks. Deising the brand new Subway Rolling Stock require another 6 months or so to come
up with the first set of REAL and FUNCITONING rolling stocks
.... and we cannot afford for any more delays. Think about IT!

Mind You, 1 Set of Subway rollign stock is about 746 Million Baht comparing with 1 Set of Skytrain Rolling Stock that is
250 million Baht .... The differences are coming from many sources -> fewer orders means higher prices per set and the
and the specifications of Subway system require much mroe sophisticated system to handle ....

Wisarut

ooddy

04-11-03, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by Wisarut
Khun Ooody,

Naaah, Not that so! it's due to tightening Schedule
that compell Siemens to sue Skytrain prototype as the prototype of the new Subway rolling stocks. Deising the brand new Subway Rolling Stock require another 6 months or so to come
up with the first set of REAL and FUNCITONING rolling stocks
.... and we cannot afford for any more delays. Think about IT!

Mind You, 1 Set of Subway rollign stock is about 746 Million Baht comparing with 1 Set of Skytrain Rolling Stock that is
250 million Baht .... The differences are coming from many sources -> fewer orders means higher prices per set and the
and the specifications of Subway system require much mroe sophisticated system to handle ....

Wisarut

Khun Wisarut,

Is it still true that MRTA want to open the line for a free ride from April through August, 2004? I'm not sure why. But may be to show off...

It would cost them a lot of money for that. But I suppose anything for the show...and I hope nothing will go wrong. And they have done proper integrating and safety testing well in advance of the April opening...

By the way I understand it cost about $1million to transport the rail cars by air to show off at APEC. This is too much to waste...

Wisarut

04-11-03, 10:17 AM

Khun Ooddy,

SUch the Air delivery is for getting the 1st set for software
testing, NOT jsuit for APEC, since the stations and tunnels are almost done .... and the other 18 will follow once they reach Laem Chabang Port.

Well, free service from April to August is for the group tour, not for general using though as far as I convern ....

ooddy

06-11-03, 11:11 AM

I'm a new member also; just joined the forum about a couple of weeks ago. I always check out 2Bangkok.com every time I log into the system...

My interest in the subject because of my profession. I've been working in rail transit design and management for more than 30 years in the U.S. And hopefully will continue to do so...

The rail transit business is very fasinating field, especially in the U.S. There seems to be a variety of activities and interests...never get bored. My background is in Civil Engineering but I'm involved in management more than technical issues nowadays.

Hope you find it fasinating working with BMTC for the very first subway system in Bangkok...

Regards,

ooddy

Kiku99

17-11-03, 10:33 AM

The subway doesn't look that bad. but they look too similar to the skytrain though.

admin

06-04-04, 04:37 PM

This will be linked from the front page tomorrow, but for those of you paying attention on the forum, here is the link to 'First looks at the Phetchburi, Queen Sirikit Convention Center, and Hua Lamphong subway stations':
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/Subway/firstlook.shtml

ttaaee

07-04-04, 01:35 AM

On "First looks at the subway stations" page http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/Subway/firstlook.shtml,
the link "The Queen Sirikit Station symbol. Other station symbols are here." underneath the Queen Sirikit station symbol is broken.

On "The Bangkok Subway" page http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/Subway/, the link "Subway station symbols", right between Silom and Rama IX symbols, is broken.

Both of them are linked to "http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/Subway/Subway/subwaysymbols.shtm" instead of
"http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Subway/subwaysymbols.shtml"

By the way, great pictures you've got there. Nice job! :)

juztination

07-04-04, 10:26 AM

OMG!! They put the word "Lifts" insteads of "Elevators" on one of the signs or all of them. I don't want to see more pictures making fun of English in Asian country. What a shame!! :mad: Can anyone who lives in Thailand tell them to change it ?

ttaaee

07-04-04, 01:54 PM

Khun Juztination,

With all due respect, I don't think it'd be so shameful to call an elevator a lift. "Lift" is British English while "elevator" is American. I guess whoever made the decision to use "lift" instead of "elevator" went with the former one. We, Thai people, call it a lift anyway. :)

jpatokal

07-04-04, 03:01 PM

Juztination, the Singapore MRT also has lifts instead of elevators... as an ex-resident of the US and occasional visitor to California I personally find the equally British "Way Out" (instead of "Exit") signs funnier.

At any rate, excellent pictures and excellent stations too. The signage appears to be admirably clear and elegant as well... and yes, the station decor looks rather boring, but they (again) remind me of the Singapore MRT's underground stations and I haven't heard too many complaints about those. But a couple of questions:

1) The plaque refers to the "M.R.T. Chaloem Ratchamongkorn line", where does this name come from?

2) How is the interchange to SRT trains at Hualamphong and Bang Sue handled? Long distance to walk, signage, elevators...?

3) Any word yet on when visitors can just show up and take the train without applications in advance? (June 1?)

juztination

07-04-04, 11:23 PM

I didn't know that "Lifts" is a British English word. I thought only Thai people use it. Sorry.:(
-
-
How did you get in to take pictures? Did you just walked in?

Wisarut

08-04-04, 01:05 AM

Khun jpatokal,

1) For MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkhon, it is the official name of this Blue line Subway delivered by His Majesty
1.1) M.R.T. -> Mass Rapid Transit
1.2) Chaloem RTatchamongkhon -> Clelevbration of Royal Auspice.

2) Hua Lamphong Subway Station has a direct connection with Hua Lamphong rialway Station at Gate 2. You can see that subway gate as a new annex of Hua Lamphong on the left side of Hua Lamphong whcih used to be the parking lot.
Gate 2 DEFINITELY has escalarots but I'mnot so sure if MRTA has installed the elevators besided the one near the glass pyramid.

For the case of Bangsue, the subway gate is near the Platform for Southern Railway, No. 52 BMTA Bus terminal and Siam Cement PCL which is NOT far from the main platform of Bangsue Junction.
Well, Bangsue has not been rebuilt yet, still use the old style painting in bright yellow with the building from 1930's-1950's

3) No, you have to send a letter to BMCL at PO Box 434, ladphrao Post Office .... with an empty envolope inside your letter. They'll make a random selection for this matter ...

4) Yeah Khun juztination, just walk into the statiyons and that's all. However, due to the SOuthern Insurgencies, MRTA is going to impose "No Photograph" rule inside the station .... and some of the BMCL officers come from Sugai Kolok .....

admin

08-04-04, 10:01 AM

>Gate 2 DEFINITELY has escalarots but I'mnot so sure if MRTA has installed the elevators besided the one near the glass pyramid.

There are no escalators near the pyramid--the pyamaid is about 1/3 of the way down the viaduct to Hua Lamphong Station.

jpatokal

08-04-04, 06:46 PM

K. Wisarut, thanks for the detailed answer, but one more question:

Originally posted by Wisarut
3) No, you have to send a letter to BMCL at PO Box 434, ladphrao Post Office .... with an empty envolope inside your letter. They'll make a random selection for this matter ...

Yes, I understand that this is the current process -- but when will this end? When I can just walk up, pay and ride without applications in advance?

Wisarut

08-04-04, 11:58 PM

Khun jpatokal,

If you still live in Singapore, you better wait until July or August 2004 for the actual opening ... and ready tp ay 12-32 Baht for ticekt price of the first year.

For those who want to have a free ride and live in Thailand, you better send the letter before April 10 ... and they'll likely assign the ticketd to May or so.

The 1st period will be April 13-18, 2004 and the second period will be in May 2004 for data collection from those who live alogn Subway tracks.

jpatokal

13-04-04, 09:08 AM

Now how did this (http://nationmultimedia.com/page.arcview.php3?clid=3&id=96442&usrsess=1) slip under 2Bangkok's radar?
The official launch of the Bangkok subway system will be moved from August 12 to June because of increasing traffic congestion on Bangkok streets, the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) said yesterday.
Excellent! Anybody had the chance to take a ride yet? How good is security at the stations, ie. is there any hope of going for a joyride without an official invitation?

admin

13-04-04, 11:13 AM

thanks for this--we posted it on the main page...

This seems impossible, since the idea of having the official opening on August 12 is to open the system on an auspicious date (HM The Queen's birthday). We do not think this has turned up in the Thai papers either. The subway will run in May, June and July, but the exact conditions are unclear (the plan for the opening of the subway on Songkran was only finalized a week before the deadline). Even at this point there are no ticketing machines in the stations.

admin

13-04-04, 05:44 PM

MCOT does mention the possibly earlier start date:

84,000 people expected on subway test run - MCOT, April 13, 2004
(http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=26952)

Bangkok Metro Co., Ltd. (BMCL) expects 84,000 passengers to use subway service during its test run from 13-18 April.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the BMCL launched the service today after giving away 84,000 tickets to the public and other 60,000 to the government agencies.
During the six-day test runs, BMCL opens 9-10 stations to offer the free ride to estimated 24,000 passengers each day, while the official opening is expected in July, or August to celebrate the 72nd birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen.
The BMCL will start roadshow at department stores, exhibition halls, and office buildings along the subway lines on 22 April. The tickets will also be given, free of charge, to interested people to use the underground train in May...

Oran

17-04-04, 01:28 AM

If any of you are watching TV tune to Channel 9. On "Thueng Look Thueng Khon" program, the host Sorayut talks to the MTRA Director about the fire in the Subway which was caused by brakes faliure and he is led on a tour of the subway, station, control rooms by Mr.Prapat Jongsanguan MRTA Director. For those who missed the program they can view it at http://www.mcot.net/tltk .
http://www.mcot.net/tltk/tvarchive/newstalk2004-04-16.wmv 56K
http://www.mcot.net/tltk/tvarchiveHigh/newstalk2004-04-16.wmv 256K

ncr

19-05-04, 02:29 AM

So are there still tickets available for the next free ride phase, or will they be distributed to 'old' applicants who couldn't be considered in April due to the immense popularity of the offer?

If yes, what was the address of MRTA? Cannot find it on 2bangkok anymore.....

Khun Wisarut? I think you are the man to answer this.....

admin

19-05-04, 08:30 AM

Letters requesting free tickets had to be postmarked before April 10, 2004 (according to Matichon), so I think it must be too late.

Wisarut

21-05-04, 12:05 AM

Naah It's too late! You know, i have to ride van from Thamasart (Rangsit) to Dindaeng and then ride motorcycle from Dindaeng to Le Concourt Buildign as the way to get the June Subway Free Ride .... and then I have to take a taxi cab from Le Concourt (near Huay Kwang Station) to go back to my office! That's on May 10, 2004 -> the last day I could get the ticket for June Free ride.

However, the BMCL officer have restricted the ticket distribution for June free ride -> The ask those who want to have a free ride to answer 5 questions beofre givign the tickets to those who have a free ride. Furthermore they ask thsoe who get a free ticket to stamp their right thumb into an ink well fore thumbing on the sheet as the way to make a fair distribution since those who have the black thumb (actually purple thumb) won't be given another ticket ... :(

Khun NCR, better wait unti August to ensure that you will get the Real Subway Ride ...

admin

21-05-04, 09:25 AM

What are the five questions they ask?

Wisarut

21-05-04, 11:23 PM

I could NOT remember the 5 questioons .... but I thought it's all about the way to do when passenders havebeen in Subway Stations.

Hitesh

24-05-04, 04:10 PM

Are they definately not opening the subway in July?
Th next time I am in Bangkok after July is December, thats too long to wait.:(

jpatokal

23-06-04, 02:21 PM

Woohah! Is this for real? I certainly hope it is, since I'll be in town again on the 8th...

The Enforcer!

23-06-04, 05:52 PM

MRTA Thai website seems to say the same!!

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

26-06-04, 06:15 PM

In recent days there have been erected steel sheets along the grass central divide along Silom Road from Rama IV half-way to Sala Daeng station.

Yesterday I noted they were drilling! They seem only to work at night.

Is this preparation for the Skybridge from Si Lom Metro to Sala Daeng BTS or merely a coincidence?

The Enforcer!

admin

26-06-04, 06:40 PM

yep...

there's something about it here:

http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Skytrain/index.shtml#connect

Wisarut

26-06-04, 08:21 PM

Yeah Khun ROn,

So far they have start this via duct construction from May 2004 and they plan to get it DONE in December 2004 - ready for service on December 5, 2004.

The Enforcer!

27-06-04, 11:17 AM

At the speed they were working last evening, I think they will be lucky to finish by December 2005!

Mind you, it is not entirely their fault. How can they hope to work effectively by only blocking off one lane of Silom southbound. They should close the whole side of the road each evening.

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

28-06-04, 06:53 PM

The MRTA site says that H.M. The King will open the site at Hua Lampong at 1730 on Saturday then travel to Bang Sue.

Does anyone have any idea what time the stations will open to the public?

One engineer I spoke to seemed to indicate that the Security will allow public entry after 1800 but that seems too soon to me.

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

04-07-04, 10:22 AM

I have been into Subway in this evening - the Faithful evening that is the starting point of BKK Subway System. I rode Van to Chatuchak and the ride bus No 69 to BMA 2. I reach Fortune town by riding Motorcycle to Fortune Town to reach prha Ram 9 Station ... There was an online game masco show at Gate 1

At about 6 PM ... many people were storming Hua Lamphong as well as Phra Ram 9 Station. I could see those people from those kids, mothers with their children, granpas, grandmas, couples - Farang, Chinese -> Storming Rama 9 Station ...

Even the News Anchor from Asahi TV along with camera crew and interpreter were heading into Subway Gate 1 of Phra Ram 9 Station

At 7:14 PM (5 Minute before the AUSPECIOUS Moment that His Majesty has OFFICIALLY Opened Subway System - the gates were opening and human waves were heading into the booths and to buy 10-Baht smart tokens (imported from Japan at 80 Baht/piece) and 300-Baht Smart cards. I bought Both of them.

When the first train RELEASED by His Majesty was not arrived yet, I ran to pick the wallet - one of the gift for the first 99999 passengers in addition to the stationery.

Prha Ram 9 is the only other Station I know that ther is Subway TVM installed.

WHen the Subway released by His Majesty Arrived at 7:25, I took a half of the roll on the Japanese news anchors from Asahi Channel who interview the young passengers as well as a mother and a baby inside the subway ...

When I arrived into Hua Lamphong, I was STUNTED on the shck waves of local people storming Hua Lamphong .... It is even worse than Phra Ram 9 Station. BMCL and MRTA Officers have to closed Gate 2 (the Gate of His Majesty) and Gate 3 (the gate with pyramid in front of the gate) since many people are RAGING - closed to edge of insanity when they are goign storm into Subway station - due to the long lines of passengers

Now, I could see the Golden plate sign at Gate 3 Showing the name of this Subway line in addition to the golden plate shown inside Hua Lamphong station ... But I have to come out of Gate 1 to buy a new roll of film and then have to walk on the stair of Gate 4 to platform sinee Gate 4 has NO escalators.

For Lumphinee Station - It is very deep - even not as deep as Si Lom.

I could see the double tunnels for Orange line and the green lines to mark the tracks of future Orange line next to the Belgian Drawing

Subway heading to Bangsue and Hua Lamphong are filled up with passenger into Sadine cane level until it reaches 10 PM.

At one time I heard the young men told his frtiend that "Subway Rollign stocks is 2nd handed left over from Siemens" -> Then I yell back to that young man "Where in the HELL you get such kind of Rumour?"

I could see Indian, and muslim Bangkokians, Japanese businessmen, Chinese tourists and Farang - and his girlfriends riging Subway in addition to those commonmen in Bangkokkians. I could see passengers coming in and coming out of subway to the platforms like sea waves at Major stations like Hua Lamphong, Queen Sirikit Center, Phra Ram 9, Sukhumvit, Chatuchak Park ....

Kamphaen Phet station look very so so for me though ... even though now I could see the billboard covering the space which will become Metro Plaza.

To Expand Subway Systems Skytrain System and High Speed Rail System, Premier
Thaksin BETTER tunr Millenium Steel or Sahaviriya Steel into Siamese version
POSCO and Nippon Steel and turn the automobile assembly lines into Subway assembly lines.

It is very exhaused day for me ... You better wait unti I come up with the photos.

[Ed.: Photos are posted here: http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Subway/wistrip/wistrip.shtml]

illegalops

04-07-04, 01:02 PM

A brief introduction. As a foreigner, I travelled in Bangkok's subway from Silom to Thailand Culture Center, and back to Hua Lumpong station on the 27th June 04.

Knowing that the subway was not in operations, my original intention was just to look at the station exterior. I took the BTS from Siam Square to Sala Daeng and walked to Silom Subway station when I found a short queue. An MRTA staff was checking the commuters' invitation passes before permitting entry.

I asked if I could go in to take a look. I believe the MRTA staff knew that I was a foreigner. To my surprise, he offered a pass to me (the same one displayed at the subway section of 2bangkok.com).

I was truly impressed. The 3 stations I saw were beautiful! Contactless cards at the gantry, the different decors in the station, granite flooring and brand new trains.

Great job on the subway MRTA!

sabaisabai

04-07-04, 08:12 PM

Thanks for the report Wisarut.

I made it on the first train, which I boarded at Hualampong. It was pretty rowdy there, with the rail staff trying to organise the public into queues, while everybody was very eager and trying to rush through.

All in all it was a great experience, especially seeing the King drive in.

I'll share some photos soon..

Medic1669

04-07-04, 08:36 PM

I am an EMT-basic at Narenthorn EMS center, Rajavithi hospital. We provide free ambulance service for anyone who are in immediate life-threatening situation such as having medical emegency or getting hurt by accident. We normally response to around 7 calls per day, and with our networks with other hospitals, we normally have 30 calls per day total in Bangkok. Good enough because very few people know we and our EMS network exist!! (but most police and rescue volunteers know what we do).

Monitoring my portable VHF walkie-talkie, until 7.00pm in the 2nd day of subway operation today, there were 5 ambulance calls requested by someone in either subway stations or control center (i am expecting some more calls coming in this evening) to help emergency medical patients in a number of subway stations.

I don't know what is it like inside a subway station, but my brother told me he felt hot and couldn't breath well once getting inside Bangsue station this afternoon. So i think the ventilation or air-conditioning system may need to be checked??

This is my first post here, sorry if my english are not grammatically correct!

admin

04-07-04, 10:04 PM

We did get reports that on the first day so many people swamped the Hau Lamphong station that some people 'swooned' from the overcrowding.

And yes, the ticketing levels especially are muggy...

ncr

04-07-04, 11:48 PM

A summary of my experiences with the subway on my first day. No, I was not among the very first passengers on Saturday and did not receive one of those fancy gifts, but anyway. My girlfriend and I boarded at Phetchaburi station to go to Bangsue, then all the way back to Hualamphong, then finally to Silom. What we found was largely similar to what K. Wisarut reported from Saturday evening..... whole families, young and old, grandmothers, grandfathers, babies, lots of children....... people literally storming the trains, all the cars crowded to the max. (I imagine the Tokyo subway to be like this.) At Bangsue station the guards stopped people with a moveable barrier in the concourse area whenever too many passengers had accumulated in front of the ticket booths, presumably for safety reasons. Will be nice to get the statistics of passenger numbers for the first days of regular service. I am pretty sure they surpassed the expected marks on this Sunday 4th July 2004 and already set a record that will stand for some time.

It seemed just about everyone wanted to experience the new means of transportation and was excited and in a good mood.

In general, I was quite impressed and satisfied with the system. After seeing the first pics of the stations on 2Bangkok, I had imagined them to be more dull. Yes, the design is very modern and somewhat cold and not as inspired as the Skytrain's, but not that bad at all, either.

Some anecdotes from the underworld:

- An old man boarding at Bangsue was separated from his wife when jumping into the train at the last possible moment, doors already beeping and ultimately closing behind him. He took it with countenance.

- A funny family (women and one girl of 8-9 years), sitting next to where we were standing, was lamenting that the trip was rather boring as you "couldn't see anything" outside the windows and the Skytrain was much better because it offered a great view.Finally they decided to get off at Sukhumvit to take the Skytrain to Sala Daeng instead going on to Silom station.....

- Though the friendly staff everywhere were busy standing at the turnstiles explaining the use of the tokens and smartcards, at Hualamphong (where the queues in front of the ticket booths were the longest), a group of elderly people had substantial problems passing the barriers. I am really not sure why, as you just shortly have to hold the token/card close to the designated area. Anyway, it was a comical scene for all to behold when some family members, already on the other side of the turnstile, gesticulated and tried to explain to their relatives how to do it and cheered them on to pass through when the barrier finally came down, but they still hesitated to move, apparently intimidated and confused by the technology.

- Funniest of all, somehow, an old woman on the way from Hualamphong to Sam Yan who asked my girlfriend where she had to get off. She then went on to explain she had seen the news of the subway opening on TV the day before and had found it so interesting that she wanted to check the train out by herself. But she was determined only to travel one single station and then go back because she didn't want to spend more time. (Despite the fact that all trips cost 10 Baht, no matter how far you go.)

The Enforcer!

05-07-04, 11:11 AM

Great reports guys.

I turned up at Lumpini at 6pm (as per Bangkok Post advert) but was told (at 6.15pm) that it would be at least 7.30pm so I gave up!

Well I am an old man after all!

Will try later this week.

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

05-07-04, 11:29 AM

One of the biggest 'health' hazards I think you are likely to get is 'undergroundphobia' or fear of travelling underground.

I took a Thai friend of mine to the UK and France on several ocassions and each time the first few journeys on their respective underground railways set off panic attacks!

He would rather take three buses than a connecting Tube!

It just takes some getting used to I supposed, after all at 16 i was scared of flying!

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

05-07-04, 11:51 AM

July 3 - 45,000 Passengers
July 4, 2004 - 200,000 Passengers

This kind of Discrepancies is due to the fact that Subway OPENED only less than 5 Hour (19:14 - 24:00). Furthermore, MANY passengers just have joyride at the expense of crowding
Subway and collapsed kids due to dehydration and heatstroke.

This fateful weekend is VERY flaming! The rain comes out after Midnight.

rhondda

05-07-04, 05:17 PM

I made a journey on the underground at 19.30 on Saturday, and I was hoping for a display of better manners than is apparent everyday on the Skytrain - people crowding doors, and pushing and jostling, queue jumping and the like. Unfortunately I was disappointed.

What a shame that BKK has two world-class rapid transit systems and such third world behaviour from the passengers.

:mad:

admin

05-07-04, 10:22 PM

There was an unusual amount of jostling, but I saw it as genuine excitement and interest in the new system...

Even today it was fun to see the excited faces of those who appeared to be entering the stations for the first time.

ttaaee

11-07-04, 02:22 AM

How do we know MRTA reads 2Bangkok.com? - July 10, 2004

We had been told by our sources working at MRTA that 2Bangkok.com has been read there over the years, but we were still surprised to see a 2Bangkok.com photo incorporated into MRTA's flash intro

Busted... :p

jpatokal

14-07-04, 09:41 AM

So last week I finally had a chance to take a ride on the Bangkok Subway, or two of them to be precise: Hualamphong-Sukhumvit, and Sukhumvit-Kamphaeng Phet.

First observation would be that I was surprised how smoothly everything went: the only annoyances were the missing TVMs and the resulting queues to buy tokens, and people having problems figuring out how to use them. Signage, facilities, lighting and the service itself posed no problems at all, the trains came quickly and traveled quickly. Not much scenery to look at, so it's definitely a more boring form of transport... but maybe that's just a good thing?

The Sukhumvit-Asoke interchange works quite well, and I was glad to see that both BTS and MRTA noted and announced the interchanges clearly. The Chatuchak-Morchit interchange also looked OK, let's just hope they get the Silom-Saladaeng one sorted out soon as well...

All in all, a very welcome addition to the Bangkok transport system. Now if they'd only get the Skytrain extended and the Airport Link and the Purple and Orange lines running... :D

The Enforcer!

14-07-04, 11:07 AM

Josh! Day 12 and I still have not been on the Metro! Maybe I'll wait for the extensions when it actually goes somewhere I need to be!

The Enforcer!

sabaisabai

17-07-04, 11:25 PM

As I posted earlier, I have (finally) put some photos of the opening at Hua Lampong online. You can find them here:

http://www.sabaisabai.org/photos/mrta/

The Enforcer!

01-08-04, 11:11 AM

A short guide (updated to 06.08.04):

HOTEL CONNECTIONS
-SB- Skybridge -Exit- Within walking distance of Exit -Shuttle- Skytrain Shuttlebus

SKYTRAIN STATIONS

>SUKHUMVIT LINE
Mo Chit (N8) - None
Saphan Kwai (N7) - None
Ari (N5) - None
Sanam Pao (N4) -Exit- Continental
Victory Monument (N3) - None
Phayathai (N2) - None
Rajchathewi (N1) –SB- Asia
Siam (CEN) -Exit- Novotel Siam; Kempinski (when opens)
Chitlom (E1) -Exit- Intercontinental Bangkok; Holiday Inn Bangkok; Grand Hyatt Erawan (when it reopens)
Phloenchit (E2) -Shuttle- Plaza Athenee -exit- JW Marriott
Nana (E3) -Exit- Landmark; Amari Boulevarde
Asok (E4) -Exit- Westin Grand; Sheraton Grand
Phrom Phong (E5) - None
Thong Lo (E6) - None
Ekkamai (E7) - None
Phrakhanong (E8) - None
On Nut (E9) - None

SILOM LINE
National Stadium (W1) –SB- Pathumwan Princess (shopping hours only)
Siam (CEN) - None
Ratchadamri (S1) -Exit- Four Seasons Bangkok
Saladaeng (S2) – None [When SB opens – The Dusit Thani)
Chong Nonsi (S3) – Trinity Silom
Surasak (S5) - None
Saphan Taksin (S6) -Exit- Shangri-La

METRO STATIONS
Hua Lamphong -Exit- Station
Sam Yan - None
Si Lom -Exit- The Dusit Thani; Pan Pacific
Lumphini - None
Klong Toei - None
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre - None
Sukhumvit - None
Phetchaburi - None
Phra Ram 9 -Exit- Fortune
Thai Cultural Centre - None
Huai Kwang -Exit- The Grand; Rajah Palace
Suthisarn - None
Ratchadaphisek - None
Lat Phrao- None
Phahon Yothin (When connection built – Sofitel Central Plaza)
Chatuchak Park- None
Kamphaeng Phet - None
Bang Sue - None

The Enforcer!

jpatokal

04-08-04, 09:45 PM

A good list, but your definition of "within walking distance" is pretty strict! Here are a few more:

* Sofitel Silom is not far from BTS Siam
* Grand Hyatt Erawan is quite close to BTS Chid Lom
* JW Marriott (Sukhumvit soi 2), walkable from BTS Phloenchit and Nana
* Amari Boulevard also near Nana
* Pan Pacific near MRTA Silom/BTS Saladaeng

The Enforcer!

05-08-04, 10:56 AM

Dear Kh. jpatotal,

Thanks - the only one I dispute is Sofitel Silom which is a hell of a walk from BTS Sala Daeng/MRTA Si Lom. It is closer (but still 800m) from BTS Chong Nonsi!

My definition is strict as I am disabled thus walking is a pain!

The Enforcer!

jpatokal

05-08-04, 06:13 PM

Originally posted by The Enforcer!
Thanks - the only one I dispute is Sofitel Silom which is a hell of a walk from BTS Sala Daeng/MRTA Si Lom. It is closer (but still 800m) from BTS Chong Nonsi!
Oops, mental short circuit -- I meant the Novotel Siam Square, not the Sofitel Silom (which is, as you say, quite far from Chong Nonsi and very very far from Siam station!).

The Enforcer!

06-08-04, 10:30 AM

Originally posted by jpatokal
Oops, mental short circuit -- I meant the Novotel Siam Square,

Absolutely - keep forgetting that is there!

The Enforcer!

Ganyc

07-08-04, 03:59 PM

Khun Bangkok,

Am i right to mention that Hotel Malaysia, Charlie House and Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel are very near to Lumpini subway station ? Can I see Lumpini subway station from the entrance of Banyan Tree Bangkok ?

Banyan Tree Bangkok is the nearest to Sala Daeng Skytrain and Lumpini subway ?

Ganyc

07-08-04, 04:01 PM

Bangkok,

Isn't Century Park Hotel nearest to Victory Monument Skytrain Station ?

The Enforcer!

07-08-04, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
Khun Bangkok,

Am i right to mention that Hotel Malaysia, Charlie House and Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel are very near to Lumpini subway station ? Can I see Lumpini subway station from the entrance of Banyan Tree Bangkok ?

Banyan Tree Bangkok is the nearest to Sala Daeng Skytrain and Lumpini subway ?

Malaysia Hotel is about 900m from Lumpini - out of exit 1 for 450m to Soi Ngam Duphli, then turn right (past Pinacle Hotel) for 450m to Malaysia Hotel.

Charlie House (I think) is in Soi SaphanKhu, is thus about from Lumpini 600m - out of exit 1 for 500m to SaphanKhu, then turn right for 100m or less!

BanYan Tree is closer to Lumpini Station.

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

07-08-04, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
Bangkok,

Isn't Century Park Hotel nearest to Victory Monument Skytrain Station ?

About 650m but you need to exit Victory Monument, turn right, walk along the whole of Th. Tatchathewi, then turn right and cross the road to the Century Park.

Not close by my standards!

The Enforcer!

Ganyc

07-08-04, 05:12 PM

Bangkok,

What is Th. Tatchathewi ? Where is it ?

The Enforcer!

07-08-04, 05:21 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
Bangkok,

What is Th. Tatchathewi ? Where is it ?

It's a well known typing error!!!

Sorry, Thanon Ratchawithi is what I mean. It runs from the Century park junction of Asoke/Ratchaprarop via Victory Monument to Saphan Krungthon.

The Enforcer!

pong

09-08-04, 08:20 PM

note that this useful list above about ONLY lists middle/higher class hotels.
F.e. in/around HuaLamPong station are at least 4 (not really recommended, as rundown) hotels, and there was already discussion about Soi Suam Plu/near Malaysia hoel.
Of course, all along Sukhumvit/from soi 0 to >100, along the skytrain are numerous other hotels, from zero to 6 stars.

pong

09-08-04, 08:25 PM

Can someone now in Krung Thep please tell me:
1. how do now the Thai people call this ''subway'' as the offical name is nearly as long as the name of the city. The rod fai fah (quite a good name for the skytrain: fai fah= fire from the sky=electric) is often just called Sah-ky-train, but I wonder if subway would catch on.
2. I do not really understand why there is still NO electric connection into the Mochitmai=2 giant busstation, easily the biggest crowdpuller in the whole of BKK (perhaps exceeded by weekendmarket only). I know the Mochit should be placed back at its old place (where they now have the ''garage'' for the skytrain, on top of a newly constructed shoppingcenter, but this has fallen through and the mass buildings and head-office of Borisat Konsong looks to new and nice to justy turn it down. Any plans to extend any of the 2 systems to there?

Hitesh

09-08-04, 10:02 PM

The short Thai version of the subway is 'Rot Fai Fah Tai Din" (Underground Electric Train), but ive heard numerous people just say "yoo tai din" (I'm underground) when talking on their phones at the stations. Either way, I guess it is better than saying "Rot Fai Fah Sai Chaloem Ratchamongkhon" (the official name of the subway).

The Enforcer!

10-08-04, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by Hitesh
The short Thai version of the subway is 'Rot Fai Fah Tai Din" (Underground Electric Train),

I know my Thai is poor is Fah means Sky - are you saying it is called "Underground Skytrain"?

The Enforcer!

ncr

10-08-04, 12:09 PM

@pong:
The rod fai fah is often just called Sah-ky-train :confused: Never heard Thai people say that. No, it is in fact often called "BTS" (bee-tee-et), after the short name of the company. Sometimes also "rot loi fah" (train floating in the sky, compare "saphan loi" = footbridge or flyover), I think.

@The Enforcer:
I know my Thai is poor is Fah means Sky - are you saying it is called "Underground Skytrain"?No. Some clarification: As Pong already said, "fai fah" = sky fire = electricity. Thus, "rot fai fah tai din" means electric underground train, and nothing else.

Though in case of the Skytrain, I always had the impression the Thai name is somewhat ambiguous. As "rot fai" alone = fire vehicle = train/railway, I think it could be interpreted to mean either of the following:

rot-fai fah = sky train, or
rot fai-fah = electric train.

Could some native speaker verify this?

Wisarut

10-08-04, 04:22 PM

Khun Pong, Khun NCR, Khun Hitesh,

Since I'm a Bangkokian, I could give you an answer for that.

1) Subway has been INTENDED to terminate at Bangsue Railway Station. Therefore, it is next to IMPOSSIBLE to redirect Subway route to pass Mochit 2 while they still have to connect with Mochit station and Chatuchak Weekend Market. Connecting wiht Chatuchak Weekend market and Mochit station is the better deal for the viewpoint of MRTA.

Skytreina is inded to go North to Saphanmai - thus not going to pass to Mochit 2 at all.

Furthermore, BMTA buses has set up a bus terminal at Mochit 2 whcih allow many BMTA buses to terminate there so it is NOT necessary at all at the time being to make - Just drop down at Kamphaengphet station or even Mochit station [even though I reccommend Kamphaengphet station] and ride the bus, that's it!

Transportation CO Ltd would NOT return back to Mochit since Mochit is now too small for them, better payign the lease to SRT who allows the company to set up the newer and much bigger terminal. There is already Phaholyothin Station near Mochit 2 ... and BMTA bus .....

2. We cal subway as "Rot Tai Din" (literraly Underground vehicle) or "Rotfai Tai Din" (literraly Underground train) ..

BTW, MRTA has issued the generic name for MRTA Subway -> METRO.

3. For the case of Skytrain, we usually call them as :
1) Rot Fai Fah BTS (literally BTS Electric Train) - This is how the BTSC announcers have used to call themselves as well. Therefore, this one is the "de facto" name for Skytrain.

2) Rot[fai] Loy Fah (litterally Elevated Railway)
3) Rot Skytrain (litteray Skytrian car)
4) Rotfaifa -> actually the generic name for "electrified train" or electric cars. Howev er Skytrian is the first modern electrified mass trainsit system for the new generation who have never riden BKK Tram at all .... So it usually applied to Skytrain.

MBK

11-08-04, 07:06 PM

I found with taxi drivers that if you say Skytrain then half don't understand what you mean, but say BTS and in my experience they always understand.

The Enforcer!

12-08-04, 05:48 PM

Originally posted by pong
note that this useful list above about ONLY lists middle/higher class hotels.

Got to draw the limit somewhere!

The Enforcer!

ncr

12-08-04, 10:57 PM

That's absolutely right, MBK.

By the way, the interchange announcement in Thai language in the subway also says,

"You can change to BTS at this station."

It is really widely used. Nearly every Bangkokian understands the meaning of this term.

jpatokal

01-09-04, 01:27 AM

Wisarut reports: It seems to me that BMCL turns on the TVMs only during the rush hour and then only one machine for each station. This causes a long line for buying tokens. Furthermore, they have not started the escalators at Phaholyothin flyover.
Anecdotal evidence to the contrary, but today for the first time I saw two TVMs in operation at the same time, at Sukhumvit station past 10 AM (= outside rush hour). Phra Ram 9 had the more familiar configuration of two machines installed, with one working and the other lit up as "Out of Service"...

The new connecting walkway at Asoke/Sukhumvit also seems to be progressing nicely, they were starting the installation of the escalator today. Any idea when this will be complete?

Wisarut

06-09-04, 11:58 AM

Khun jpatokal,

The Escalator at Central Plaza for the MRTA flyover is WORKING since August 21 ....

There are 3 TVMs at Phra Ram 9 -> more that teh usualy 2 TVMs in the other station due to the higher number of passengers.
However, the system reliability seems to be a plaguing problem though ... even after turnign the maching on in both rush hour and non rush hour ....

ncr

09-09-04, 07:37 PM

I am not sure whether this topic was on the forum before; couldn't find it anymore. But it was discussed during the first 2bangkok.com meeting, if I remember correctly. Someone wondered (complained) why they didn't connect that giant bus terminal to the subway/mass transit network with a dedicated station.

How true. But I found that the connection isn't that bad after all. You can use MRTA's Kamphaeng Phet Station - it's better suited for this purpose than BTS Mor Chit Station. Closer to the bus terminal at least (about 1 to 1.2 km).

So for all those who want to know - leave the subway station through exit 1, walk straight for about 50m, and you'll directly run into a group of motorcycle taxi drivers waiting for customers to go to Mor Chit (which is to your left hand side, behind the Bang Pa-In expressway). The trip down Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road will cost you 30 Baht. (I heard the other way round - to the station - it's 40 Baht....?) Of course it's not convenient if you have some luggage. But then you can always catch a taxi!

(Still, it's not quite understandable why they didn't align the subway all below Chatuchak Park, in a more direct line to the West, with a station at Mor Chit Bus Terminal. Why does it have to touch Kamphaeng Phet Road before going to Bang Sue?)

Wisarut

09-09-04, 10:33 PM

Well, MRTA see that the connection with BTS Mochit Station station is A LOT better deal than connecting to Mochit 2 station ... However the most like scenario is that the subway route has been FINALIZED in 1996 when the Northern bus terminal is still at the old mochit station.

However, Transport Co.Ltd. Decided to move to the current area in August 1997 without EVEN consulting with MRTA at all ... Therfore the route has become as it is!

Transportation Co.Ltd. officer seem to have storng hostility towayd Skytrain and Subway though .... They just want to move a way so that they can HAPPILY collect the toll from the taxi drivers as well as annual lease of space for bus terminal from BMTA even though Transportation Co.Ltd. has to pay the annual lease to the ultimate landlord -> SRT!

Nekochan

10-09-04, 12:09 AM

This is true when any agency tends to act for its own interest. The same think happens to LICD (Khun Wisarut may confirm this!!) that heavy truck traffic has caused damages to roads in the vicinity.

They have more than 200,000 monthly trips which most of them are container trucks.

Next move? SRT will have LICD 2 at the same location. They are not going anywhere as long as they make money.

Is it odd that frieght depot is a hundreds of km from Lam Chabang? But people are talking about good interphase!!

BMTA made the same move when they did not offer feeder system to BTS. It is not their concern. Perhaps, doing such that may be regarded that they try to please a private firm.

IT IS JUST REDTAPE.

Wisarut

10-09-04, 10:45 AM

Khun Nekochan,

BMTA DID Offer the feeder buses for Subway ... I can testify for that since I have riden the feeder bus at Bangsue several times.

However, Feeeder buses are REALLY hard to find
even you are at the both terminals of feeder buses - Let
alone those who live and work along the feeder bus routes.
The BMTA Bus workers seem to RELUCTANT to modify their existing route to run theri services as feeder buses system.
Even worse, Feeder bus system STOP after 10 PM - even
though they are supposed to run until Midnight ....

Wisarut

09-10-04, 05:15 PM

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Nekochan

Nekochan

13-10-04, 01:47 AM

Yes I did!!

I think LTP's idea is not that bad as long as they choose the right system for investment.

Monorail for me is for tourist attraction!!

I wonder why LTP always announces projects long before any studies are to be carried out.

Budget constraints post big problem and they are not going away!!

BRT is not allowed on Lad Prao, bus lane is not, either.

LRT seems to be fine, but the final outcome may turn to be any alternative a lot cheaper.

I do not want to oppose any transport projects, except they are obviously politically motivated ..... and they try to skew the studies to fit their demands.

JUST LIKE I POSTED ABOUT KORAT'S SHINKANSEN!!

Wisarut

13-10-04, 01:03 PM

Yeah, they have tried BRT at lad Phrao before and FAILED and hten they tout (tell a BIG LIE) to the public that BRT at Lad Phrao is a sucess! Shame on OTP that they keep telling a LIE to the public!

No wonder, OTP have spent lots of time to delete the posts whcih tell the truth they HATE to tell the public at large.

Lad Phrao people said they DEMAND nothing LESS than the new Line of SKytrain to Reach Minburi via Lad Phrao Road ... not just reachign NIDA. MWA better ready to to install the new main water pipes before removing the water pipes alogn Lad Phrao and Phaholyothin Road to enablke the contractor to handle this job ... without priblems.

Ganyc

02-12-04, 05:28 PM

Hi, Bangkok,

Bangkok subway is the same as Singapore's North-East MRT Line. In both systems, the announcer will always say "Please mind the gap". The systems of Bangkok MRT and the North-East MRT Line of Singapore are the same. The signs to the different places outside the North-East MRT station are the same as Bangkok MRT ones.

SINGAPORE

jpatokal

02-12-04, 11:03 PM

Nope -- Bangkok MRT was built by Siemens (Germany), while Singapore NEL was built by Alstom (France). The "Mind the gap" thing is just a copy from London's famous announcement, although it's interesting that in Singapore only NEL announces this... then again, only NEL has platform doors, and other lines warn around the (much greater) danger of being too close when the train approachers.

The fare gates, however, are the same in both systems, except that Singapore doesn't use the token system. Is the vendor Alstom? The TVMs seem to be different again, Singapore uses the 'standard' ones from the SMRT lines while the Bangkok MRT has its own (IMHO rather clumsy and ugly) interface.

Ganyc

03-12-04, 06:44 AM

The NEL is losing money. The MRT trains on this line make the same cruising noise as Bangkok MRT. The seats of Bangkok MRT are the same as Singapore MRT. When you travel along the NEL, you will think you are travelling in the Bangkok MRT. There is a suburban town in Singapore known as "Buangkok". I call it Little Bangkok because its MRT station is not ready, problematic like Bangkok MRT.

mrtfreak

03-12-04, 03:54 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
The NEL is losing money. The MRT trains on this line make the same cruising noise as Bangkok MRT. The seats of Bangkok MRT are the same as Singapore MRT. When you travel along the NEL, you will think you are travelling in the Bangkok MRT. There is a suburban town in Singapore known as "Buangkok". I call it Little Bangkok because its MRT station is not ready, problematic like Bangkok MRT.
erm, ganyc, buangkok station is ready and completed. it was scheduled to be opened with the rest of the line when the LTA was testing the line for commissioning. however, the operator, SBS Transit decided not to open it as the catchment area was not so developed as it is now. buangkok station may possibly open in the year 2005. yes, alstom is the contractor for the NEL rolling stock while siemens is for the bangkok one. i thought it would be understandable for ALL new lines to lose money during the early years as the cost of running the line would be high and passenger revenue not sufficient until passengers got used to the line. in the case of the already a year old NEL, it will be profitable by the year 2006 or so say analysts.

Ganyc

03-12-04, 05:24 PM

The unused Buangkok MRT station is haunted. : )

mrtfreak

04-12-04, 02:27 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
The unused Buangkok MRT station is haunted. : )
now where do you get that idea from? i think its silly saying bishan and novena MRT stations are haunted too.... all because they used to be cemetaries or what not. so you're going to say cirle line will be haunted because they never found the body of mr heng? i find this all rather silly. maybe its because singaporeans have a preoccupation with ghosts....

Wisarut

04-12-04, 03:02 PM

Well, all BKK Subway stations have Mandala signs written in white & wet chalk by Buddhist monks though ....

Even when the TBM drilling machines from Japan which have already passed SHinto ceremony will have Buddhist monk chanting to exocize those evils spirits out .....before uising
to dig tunnels though ....

It seems to me that Siemens have fixed the problems ... by recallign 2 problematic sets from 19 sets out to get major reparation on brake while the other 17 set will be comissioned..

Wait and see how MRTA is oign to implement the Purple line which was initially the northern extension of Blue lien before converting the blue line into Blue Ring.

Ganyc

04-12-04, 04:06 PM

mrtfreak, i am just joking. Do you live in singapore? you seem to have perfect knowledge of bangkok and singapore mrt systems. SMRT will be honoured to employ you.

The Enforcer!

05-12-04, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by mrtfreak
now where do you get that idea from? i think its silly saying bishan and novena MRT stations are haunted too.... all because they used to be cemetaries or what not. so you're going to say cirle line will be haunted because they never found the body of mr heng? i find this all rather silly. maybe its because singaporeans have a preoccupation with ghosts....
As the cartoon says "If ghosts do not exist - why do we have a word for them?"

The Enforcer!

mrtfreak

05-12-04, 02:11 PM

Originally posted by Ganyc
mrtfreak, i am just joking. Do you live in singapore? you seem to have perfect knowledge of bangkok and singapore mrt systems. SMRT will be honoured to employ you.
lol ganyc, yes i am in singapore. the circle line will pass near my house at bouna vista intercahnge. and thanks for your praise. i don't mind being a transport journalist.

Ganyc

05-12-04, 03:00 PM

you can join TODAY or The Straits Times. Then Singaporeans can read your exciting reports on the naked realities of international MRTs.

how old are you ?

: )

Ganyc

05-12-04, 03:02 PM

i have a friend working in MRT as technician but he specilises in football reports of ASEAN. His web-site is http://surf.to/bolasepako.

: )))

mrtfreak

06-12-04, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Ganyc
you can join TODAY or The Straits Times. Then Singaporeans can read your exciting reports on the naked realities of international MRTs.

how old are you ?

: )
thanks Ganyc, i am 16 this year:)

Ganyc

06-12-04, 02:26 PM

You are more intelligent than me. I am 30.

jpatokal

07-12-04, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by mrtfreak
erm, ganyc, buangkok station is ready and completed. it was scheduled to be opened with the rest of the line when the LTA was testing the line for commissioning. however, the operator, SBS Transit decided not to open it as the catchment area was not so developed as it is now. buangkok station may possibly open in the year 2005. yes, alstom is the contractor for the NEL rolling stock while siemens is for the bangkok one. i thought it would be understandable for ALL new lines to lose money during the early years as the cost of running the line would be high and passenger revenue not sufficient until passengers got used to the line. in the case of the already a year old NEL, it will be profitable by the year 2006 or so say analysts.
Can you provide a cite for your analysts? Last I heard NEL was still getting under 150,000 ppd, with break-even estimated at 250,000 ppd. I don't see how they'll get a 66% boost within two years esp. if the Circle Line will be delayed. And the dates I've seen for Buangkok in the media have been 2007+, not next year...

Ganyc

07-12-04, 04:45 PM

The number of commuters travelling on the NEL is increasing steadily, for sure.

mrtfreak

08-12-04, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by jpatokal
Can you provide a cite for your analysts? Last I heard NEL was still getting under 150,000 ppd, with break-even estimated at 250,000 ppd. I don't see how they'll get a 66% boost within two years esp. if the Circle Line will be delayed. And the dates I've seen for Buangkok in the media have been 2007+, not next year...
no, i can't provide a site for the analysts as it is what i read in the newspapers. the opening date for buangkok is my own personal opinion. seriously, HDB flats have been constructed virtually next to the station. so i don't see any reason why they should not open it earlier. NEL ridership this years has risen above the 180,000 mark and is into the 190,000. check it out at the SBS Transit website. the circle line is not delayed and stage 2 to 5 will open as planned. only stage 1 which connects to the NEL at DBG interchange will not be opened as early as planned. i don't think this will affect NEL ridership as there will be three interchanges between NEL-CCL. two will be operational at least (serangoon and harbour front). even so, the analysts the straits times interviewed last year said that it should be profitable in 2006 to 2007. this will be before the stage 3 of the circle line is complete (target 2008). hence, the opening of the circle line will not affect NEL ridership.

ncr

13-01-05, 03:47 AM

Subway deal still stalled: those 'at the top' want to turn the MRTA board into a rubber stamp of approval for their selfish interests

- translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, January 9-12, 2005

The MRTA Board told Than Setthakij correspondents that those in the top of MRTA have their own selfish interests so they have added extra conditions to the commercial deals which MRTA Board would not approve--such 3-4 extra provisions.

However the board already approved the first version of the plan. Therefore, the MRTA Board would reject the deal so that those at the top of MRTA would come up with a new plan in line with the MRTA's and BMCL's interests--but not those in the top's interests. Nevertheless, the MRTA Board told those at the top that they would come up with the legal details to explain the board about the extra provisions.

The long extended delay on MRTA commercial deals has caused 70% of the 504 shops to wait for the approved deal. The deal should be done by the end of January 2005 since BMCL and Metro Mall Development Co. Ltd. have stuck a deal with those who are going to rent the space and they thought that the MRTA Board and MRTA top brass could come up with compromises on the disputes.

The case of the latest dispute is not about an unfair deal at all since the MRTA Board has approved the BMCL's plan (25% for the first 6 years and 35% for the rest of the concession), but those in the top have added extra provisions. This is even though the very high and lucrative share from real estate deals could not match with the offer from Metro Mall.

[...]

BMCL has told Howcome Entertainment Co.Ltd., Metromall Development PCL, and Triad Networks to wait until the commercial planned has received the final approval.

[...]

So we will be able to enjoy the pristine atmosphere in the stations for some more time. No shop, no ATM, no advertising: The Bangkok Subway remains a special experience. So aseptic, calm, solemn, almost church-like. Did you ever think the situation would last like that for so long? :rolleyes: