BTS Passenger No's:Daily and Total

[ducky454]

Hi

Annybody on these forum that can tell me what the average number og people traveling with the skytrain. and even better if sombody can put in the daily number of travelers here regulary, Ex. once a week ore once ewey month, what i think is interesting there is to see how it will bee affected when the subway open and when the new thaksin extension open.

anyway i try to find the number off daily passengers with the skytrain on the net, but the only numbers i find is on these page and the last i sav was abot valentines day about 6-7 months ago.

[Wisarut]

Khun Ped (Ducky),

So far, Skytrain has already attracted 330,000 passneger a day during the Weekday and about 250000-270000 passnegers a day durign the weekends ....

Taksin Extension will and at least 30,000 passenger more to Skytrain ... but it can get even more if BTSC sets up the feeder networks in Thonburi side of BKK. Not so sure how much MRTA will absorb the numebr fo passengers from BTSC Skytrain ....
even though 270000 passngers a day is the early target ... but
the real target will be 400000 passengers a dya ...

However, the Samrong extension will get the contractors after Novmber 2003 ...

BTSC has already break 400,000 passengers a day barrier on Valinetine of 2003 (about 407,000 passnegers at that day) and the new Years Eve 2002-NewYear 2003 (470000 passengers)

[jpatokal]

On the front LED panel, every Skytrain displays something like "02 Mor Chit" or "31 On Nut" (letters in Thai). The destination is obvious enough, but what is the meaning of this mysterious number? :confused:

[Wisarut]

Don't forget that BTSC has ordered 35 set of Skytrain -> No 01-35 so you can guess what the number is all about.

[The Enforcer!]

Originally posted by Wisarut
Don't forget that BTSC has ordered 35 set of Skytrain -> No 01-35 so you can guess what the number is all about.
Chinese Take-Away dishes?

The Enforcer!

[jpatokal]

Originally posted by Wisarut
Don't forget that BTSC has ordered 35 set of Skytrain -> No 01-35 so you can guess what the number is all about.
A-ha! Thanks for the answer. But it's still a bit strange to show it so prominently and with a changeable media like the LED display.

[Yappofloyd]

Don't forget that BTSC has ordered 35 set of Skytrain -> No 01-35 so you can guess what the number is all about.

Is this correct?!? I thought that each time I catch BTS for a certina line that the number is the same, like a route number, regardless of the train set number?

Thus there would be 4 route numbers being currently used with other numbers perhaps already allocated for future expansion. Is this right?

[The Enforcer!]

I was told by an engineer friend that these are 'running numbers' same as one gets with London Buses. Each journey has a number during the day's schedule.

Not sure if this is true though!

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

I was told by an engineer friend that these are 'running numbers' same as one gets with London Buses. Each journey has a number during the day's schedule.Sound likely. Makes sense. Like the train numbers of the 'normal' railway.

[jpatokal]

Here's my candidate for ludicrous prediction of the day:

Kriengsak expects the traffic around Siam Square, the prime commercial property area of Bangkok, to grow sharply once Siam Paragon is open. The Skytrain’s Siam station currently handles some 60,000 passengers a day. This number is expected to soar to 150,000 passengers once the complex opens. (The Nation (http://nationmultimedia.com/2005/06/27/business/index.php?news=business_17840219.html))

90,000 extra passengers per day, all going to a shopping mall? Is Paragon even going to have any skybridges to BTS, because to date I certainly haven't seen any signs of them being built?

[Wisarut]

Definitely, Siam Paragon is goign to have the skybridge connection with Siam Interchange station ... However, it stil negotiates with BTSC about this matter. Only after the deal hasmade, the construction of Skybridge could be started. :D

[The Enforcer!]

Only after the deal has made, the construction of Skybridge could be started. :D
Oh Great!

Paragon opens on 01.11.2006, the Skybridge opens on 01.11.2007!

The Enforcer!

[ncr]

Another howler in the same article:

"Each participating shop and store has been meticulously selected. Siam Ocean World, for example, will be the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 species of aquatic life and 30,000 fish."

When did Thailand move to the Southern Hemisphere, I wonder??? :o

[Hitesh]

Oh Great!

Paragon opens on 01.11.2006, the Skybridge opens on 01.11.2007!

The Enforcer!
one year for a skybridge?
i doubt it.

[ttaaee]

Another howler in the same article:

"Each participating shop and store has been meticulously selected. Siam Ocean World, for example, will be the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with more than 400 species of aquatic life and 30,000 fish."

When did Thailand move to the Southern Hemisphere, I wonder??? :o

LOL

By the way, Siam Ocean World's website (http://www.siamoceanworld.com) is still undercontruction.

This (http://) and this (http://www.emc-group.co.th/news/siam_may.html) are some pics of the construction of the aquarium.

[The Enforcer!]

one year for a skybridge?
i doubt it.
So do I but you never know!

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

The pride of Bangkok, nothing else?

I wonder how they came up with additional 90,000 daily passengers!! I think the development will attract more passengers for sure, but not more than ... let's say Fortune Town (how many).

90,000 is about 1/4 of BTS ridership.

Too much! The number is to much!

Considering Siam Paragon is the pride of Bangkok, I rest my case.

[jpatokal]

Definitely, Siam Paragon is goign to have the skybridge connection with Siam Interchange station ... However, it stil negotiates with BTSC about this matter. Only after the deal hasmade, the construction of Skybridge could be started. :D
Just passed by yesterday and looks like they've started construction of the Skybridge! There's a huge thing jutting out the east end now that will evidently connect to Siam station's exit 5. No sign of construction on the Skytrain side of things yet though.

[The Enforcer!]

Just passed by yesterday and looks like they've started construction of the Skybridge! .
So that is why the official opening is delayed!

The Enforcer!

[pong]

and I am just reading this. Paragon not open at all:
must be an upmarket Emporium= ONLY for MercBbenz/BMW owners (like Guysorn, you will be looked away in anything less).
And if, after all the opebning freebees etc, (big ass probably wont play, thats too downmarket), will not simply all of BKK's higbrow-set come there in lieu of nearby WTC or Siam?

[The Enforcer!]

Anyone any idea when Paragon will open?

Befire or after the New Airport?

The Enforcer!

[ttaaee]

According to Bangkok Biz News (Print edition Nov 7, 05, in Thai) (http://www.bangkokbiznews.com/2005/11/07/news_19080377.php?news_id=19080377), its first phase, including the shopping mall and the Ocean World, will be open on Dec 9, 05. Followed by the oppening of the second phase including multiplex theatres and the convention & exhibition centre "the Royal Paragon Hall" in Feb 06. A year and a half later, the Siam Opera Theatre will open its doors to the public. Its hotel is expected to be completed in 2008.

[Yappofloyd]

There used to be a thread about skytrain pax numbers but I cannot find.....anyway it does seem that the opening of Siam Paragon boosted numbers based on the Thairath article that khun Wisarut posted on another thread. Good to see pax numbers finally break the half a million number.

BTS Breaking 500000 passengers a day barrier
Thairath - Dec 14, 2005

BTS has told the press on Dec 13 that it has successfully broken the 500000 passengers a day barrier on Dec 9, 2005. Now, the max number of passengers is 537328 passengers on Dec 9, 2005, dwafting the previous record of 476191 passengers on Nov 16, 2005 (Loy Krathong Day).

The top 5 stations on Dec 9, 2005 can be described as follows:
1) The 1st - Siam Station
2) The 2nd - Onnut
3) The 3rd - Mochit
4) The 4th - Victory Monument
5) The 5th - Saladaeng station

The reasons for the surge of passengers are
1) Long weekend
2) Siam Paragon Opening
3) The Friday Talk of Khun Sondhi at Luphini Park

Now, BTS has carried 562,290,989 passengers from Dec 5, 1999 - Dec 5, 2005.The average number of passengers is 425,000 passengers a day durin weekdays, up from the first year of services by 204% ... Even just this year (Jan 1, 2005 - Dec 5, 2005), ther are already 116,919,617 passengers - up by 9.06% from the same period of the previous year.

The steady growth of the numebr of passengers can be described as follows:

1) Growth of passengers (9.65% durign weekdays, 8.96% durign the weekends)
due to the surge of regular passengers - most from workign adults

2) Subway as a feeder for BTS - the number of passengerr who make a change at Asok station
is now 24001 passengers a day, up from the last year by 37.47% while the number of passengers
at Onnut terminal is now 38050 passengers a day, up from the previous year by 10.54%.There are 10000 trip of passengers between Onnut as Asok station in one day, the msot frequent trip of all

3) The Continuing Fuel Hike has compelled many passengers to ride BTS.

4) the growth of residential buildings, offices, and shoppign malls along BTS.

[The Enforcer!]

Paragon opens on 01.11.2006, the Skybridge opens on 01.11.2007!
As I am 'out of town' at present - is the Skybridge built yet?

The Enforcer!

[Nekochan]

I checked manager.co.th and found that BTS has reached max ridership at 540,000 daily passengers yesterday, just slightly more than New Year Countdown party (537,000).

BMCL had a record of 220,000 passengers yesterday.

Maximum capacity of 6 car train is around 750,000 daily passengers with minimum 2 minutes' headway. So, 3 car train is under crushed capacity already.

Sonthi has done a good job promoting car free day. Lots of people at my office took mass transit to work!!

[Wisarut]

Demostration at Siam Paragon Heping BTS to Break the Record.
Manager Daily - March 30, 2006

Demostration in front of Siam Paragon by PAD on March 29, 2006 has helped BTS and MRTA to Break the Recod of Daily Passenger ... 110,000 More dailyu passengers for BTS and 60000 more Daily Passenger for MRTA.


The average daily passenger for BTS is now 430,000 passengers a day ...but March 29, 2006 is the day BTS has broken the record -> 540,000 passenger a day... Surpassing the New Year Eve 2005-2006 Count down at National Stadium which was 537,000 passengers a day

Thsi has forced BTS to shorten the schedule from 5-6 minute header time to 2 Minute and 40 Second .... and extend the Rush Hour period up from 8 PM to 10 PM

Siam Square Parkign Lots still active despite of demostration .... They just drop down at Chitlo and Rajdamri instead of the jammign Siam Station!


MRTA also told the press that the subway passenger has got a BIG boost form the demostration by PAD .... up from 160,000 passengera a day to 220,000 passengers a day .... Howver, the record is on the National Book Week at QUeen Sirikit center whcih is now 230,000 passengers a day ....

[Tettyan]

Maybe this is why the TRT government has been trying to block Skytrain extensions???



POLITICS SIAM SQUARE RALLY
Small losses for malls, big windfall for skytrain and food vendors
March 31, 2006

PITSINEE JITPLEECHEEP CHAROEN KITTIKANYA

The rally at Siam Square on Wednesday caused only a slight amount of damage to big retailers in the form of lost sales, but generated record one-day revenue for the skytrain and a windfall for food shops along the route.

The 18-hour demonstration inflicted less-than-expected losses on the three giant retailers in the area _ Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery.

Phaibul Kanokvatanawan, executive vice-president of the Mall Group, which operates Siam Paragon, said all three shopping complexes reported about 100 million baht in lost sales, during the peak spending period of a month.

But he was still worried that shoppers would maintain a negative sentiment on the situation.

''Apart from lost sales, no damage was done to our fresh products, which had been moved to the remaining retail outlets in our group,'' he said.

He hoped that the political standoff would ease soon so that people's shopping mood would improve.

To stimulate sales in the short term, the company will relaunch its Paragon Midnight Phenomenon campaign during April 5-9 and expected to rake in sales of about 200 million baht.

However, sales of Siam Paragon Department Store were projected to decline slightly in the first quarter from an earlier projection of 2.7 billion baht, mainly due to stricter controls on non-bank loans and higher interest rates.

But consolidated sales of The Mall Group, which in addition to Siam Paragon comprises The Mall and The Emporium, were estimated to increase year-on-year by 30% to around 12-14 billion baht in the first quarter of this year.

While the big stores suffered losses from the closure, small vendors and food-restaurant chains enjoyed a windfall during the rally.

A worker at Chester's Grill's Siam branch said sales surged by 50% to 150,000 baht on Wednesday. Other shops also quickly sold out their food.

Meanwhile, the rally drove skytrain riders to a record one-day high of 546,597, which translated into fare-box revenue of 11.5 million baht.

According to Anat Abhabirama, an adviser to the board of Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC), the skytrain operator, the number beat the latest record set on Dec 9 last year, the official opening day of Siam Paragon, when the number of passengers totalled 537,328, generating 11 million baht.

The skytrain currently carries about 430,000 passengers per day, with revenue of about eight to nine million baht. According to Mr Anat, the average number of skytrain users is expected to increase to 450,000 per day by the end of this year.

[Wisarut]

BTS Insisting No Ticket Hike while Emphasizing More Daily Passengers

Dailynews - April 5, 2006

Dr. Anat Abhabhirom (General manager of BTSC) told the press that the daily passenger has been hike form the previous year by 11% to 430,000 passengers a day
with daily revenue of 8-9 million Baht... Adter discountign the daily expense of 3 million Baht a day, the rest (5-6 million Baht) is to pay the interst.
Siam Paragon has enhanced the numebr of passengers for BTS by 30,000 passengfesa day ... to 430,000 passengers a day .... and it peaks on fridays to 465,000 passengers ....

After the latest survey for the new packages to attract even mroe passengers to break the 500,000 passenger a day target, BTS has dound that they have to come up with More than 30 trips for 30 day pass ... alogn with the 1-day pass that can be used in Subway and Skytrain ..... Some even ask for 6-Month pass and 12-Month Pass .... So far, BTS has hire Singaporean firm to install Smart card system whcih may require hte change on promotion package ....

However, BTS has NO policy for ticket hike even htoguh the contract with BMA has allowed them to do so .... ONLY revenue hike form special egvents alogn with the enhacement on hte number of daily passengers are ALLOWED ... :cool: :D ;) :rolleyes:

[Wisarut]

Khun Bob Urban Rail (Robert Stadler) said:

How many is riding on the skytrain on a daily basis? Whats the financial situation for BTS?

SO far, the ridership is now about 440000 passengers a day -> 450000 - 460000 passengers during weekdays and 410000-420000 passengers during weekends ->11.42% Up form previous year. ... even though there is a peak at 550,000 passengers a day during emostrtation at Siam Square. ... stil far from 600,000 passengers a day ... but alrewady reach the situation as Tokyo Metro ....

The average number of users is expected to reach 450,000 per day by year's end, with 10% growth next year.

The daily revenue is 8-9 million Baht revenue a day whcih goes into payign daily interest of 7 million Baht a day. ... and daily business expense of 3.5 million Baht a day

For the financial situation, BTSC reported revenues of 3.32 billion baht for its fiscal year ending March 31, up from 3.02 billion the previous year. Net losses totalled 8.02 billion baht, due to asset revisions of 6.33 billion baht ... at loss as usual ... with 10 billion Baht outstanding interest. ... and 77 billion outstanding pinciple and fines


However. BTSC is comign up wityh the plan and the trick to make Siemens (the creditors and suppliers) siding with BTSC AGAINST other creditors .... with the condition that the 12 new sets (4-5 car formation) will come from SIemens .... for Bearing extension after getting teh court approval for US$ 90-million procrument of 12 new sets of rollign stocks and US$ 60 million for new signal and system instllation.... total US$150 Million (5.726 billion Baht)

Current train capacity is about to reach 100%. due to hte fact that BTS is using 33 set out of 35 sets of BTS rollign stocks .... so 12 New Sets iss IN NEED.



The court Vindict on BTSC Debt will be decided on Decemebr 22, 2006 .... If everythign goes as Mr. Khiree (CEO of BTSC) expects, we'll offer IPO in stock markets by the end of June 2007.

Now, BTSC is introducing 50000 Smart Pass cards for the passengers ... I have already pruchased 20-trip smart pass (for 30-day period)
whcih cost me 300 Baht as shown here:
http://www.bts.co.th/th/Image%20Event/Smart2.jpg

More Photo on thoso Taksin extension and Bang Na extension is here:
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=376199

Now, BTSC is plannign to hike the single trip passenger ticket from 10-40 Baht to 15-40 Baht (add the extra 5 Baht for thsoe who ride the the range on 10-35 Baht) ... This will become effective on March 1, 2007 .... this is the way to pay more to creditors despite of the grudge from Democrat Party who run BKK.

Now, BTSC has already hiked the 30-day pass (Magnetic cards) atthe followign rate

30-Day pass - 30 trips Adult = 600 Baht Student = 450 Baht
30-Day pass - 20 trips Adult = 440 Baht Student = 340 Baht


For the case of Taksin Extension, it is expected to be opened in December 2008.

[Yappofloyd]

Posted by Khun Wisarut
Goals for BTS Extensions Manager Daily 8 November 2007

From Decmber 1999 -> BTSC has served 800 million Passengers

Year 2007:

Weekdays: 410000 passengers a day with 10-11 million Baht daily revenue
Saturdays: 313000 passengers a day with 8-9 million Baht daily revenue
Sundays and Holidays: 221000 passengers a day with 6-7 million Baht Daily revenue

Average: 360000 passengers a day with about 9.5 million Baht daily revenue - down by 20000 passengers a day in year 2006 due to economic hard time alogn with other glums.

12 four-car set from CNR Changchun will be delivered in 3 years for both Taksin and Bang Na extension.

Depite of all hazzles, BTSC has offered free rides fo those handicapped people ...

These numbers are interesting as the weekday daily pax average of 410 000 has actually fallen since the ave daily of 430 000 (March 06) and 425 000 (Dec 05). Assuming we can trust the figures of course.

I wonder why there has been this decrease. A convergance of factors perhaps such as the price increase earlier this year, overcrowding during peak hour and perhaps ultimately a lack of connectivity due to a limited network.

One would expect with rising petrol prices and the fact that BTS is ultimately catering for a middle class market (which has grown), that pax numbers would be steedily increasing.

Any thoughts?

[Wisarut]

Bewcause of this decreasing number of passenger due to economic hard time, BMCL and BTSC have come with the principle of Joint Ticket (on Samrt card of course) ... They have already agreed in principles ... but the actual implementation will take for a while though.

At lease Bang Na extension will allow better coverage ... inviting those previosly not regular passengers in Pra padaeng as well as Samut Prakarn Thepharak and Sri Nakharin to rise Skytrain ....

This will allow thsoe owners of minibus and van service at Seacon Square to make a stop at Udomsuk ... more convenient connection than Onnut ... alogn with connection Airport Transit at Hua Mark.

[Yappofloyd]

I'm not sure how the pax numbers are going generally but one thing for sure is that the interchange with MRT at Asok is becoming untenable and needs expansion due to large crowds during peak hour.

Last Friday at about 6:30pm I was transferring from BTS to MRT and the whole concourse ticketing area was completely crowded with people. No one could literally move and it took a few minutes to move from the BTS ticket barriers to the escallators for the MRT entrance. Was the most packed I have ever seen a BTS entrance (perhaps 150 plus not moving), even more so than Siam in the middle of the afternoon peak.

[Wisarut]

I'm not sure how the pax numbers are going generally but one thing for sure is that the interchange with MRT at Asok is becoming untenable and needs expansion due to large crowds during peak hour.

Last Friday at about 6:30pm I was transferring from BTS to MRT and the whole concourse ticketing area was completely crowded with people. No one could literally move and it took a few minutes to move from the BTS ticket barriers to the escallators for the MRT entrance. Was the most packed I have ever seen a BTS entrance (perhaps 150 plus not moving), even more so than Siam in the middle of the afternoon peak.


More gates for MRTA and More interchange buidings between BTS and MRTA are inneed for Asok/Sukhumvit

[GWR]

SKYTRAIN
BTS completes its eighth year
Published on December 12, 2007

Bangkok Mass Transit System Co has completed its eighth year of operation, with total patronage of 833,937,041 trips, or 412,762 trips on an average workday.

Since the opening of the Skytrain on December 5, 1999, the highest daily traffic was recorded on June 30, 2006, when commuters took 550,577 trips.

Executive chairman and CEO Keeree Kanjanapas said in a recent statement that to accommodate growth in passengers and extensions, the company has purchased 12 four-car trains worth US$70 million (Bt2.36 billion).

A satisfaction survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University commissioned by the company showed the satisfaction rate was 4.11 out of a full 5 points.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/12/13/business/business_30058997.php

[Wisarut]

The Joitn ticket with BMCL will enable BTSC to get the max number of passengers to break the record of 550,577 passengers (30 June 2006) though ... in addition to the extension across Chao Phraya and the lien to Bang Na.

[GWR]

BTS to extend operating hours on New Year's Eve

The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain will extend its operating hours until 2am on New Year's Eve to accommodate party-goers, said BTS executive Anat Abhabhirom Tuesday.

The extended hours of both the Mor Chit to On Nut route and the Saphan Taksin to National Stadium route were expected to accommodate nearly 100,000 partygoers to join the Bangkok Countdown at Central World as well as party-goers at other malls and companies along the routes.

Anat explained the BTS would not operate 24 hours on December 31 because most parties would end a little after midnight, and giving an extra two hours to get home should be sufficient.

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30059488

[Yappofloyd]

I suspect capacity would also be an issue here during peak hours. A good journo would also have asked about the impact of the opening of the Taksin ext in boosting ridership.

BTS likely to miss 2008 targets NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 24/01/08

The elevated train operator Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) is likely to miss its target to increase passenger totals to 500,000 a day by the end of this year as commuters have cut their travelling amid the economic slowdown. Anat Arbhabhirama, an adviser to the BTS board, said this year would be the first since the skytrain opened almost eight years ago that daily passenger totals would rise by less than 10%.

At present, roughly 420,000 passengers use the two Skytrain lines on weekdays and 300,000 to 350,000 on weekends, he said.

''The economy is the most important factor (behind slowing passenger growth) as people have cut expenses to save money. For example, they go to see movies and shop less frequently. ''Meanwhile, high oil prices have encouraged people to switch to rail transport. The ratio, however, has not been significant so far.''

BTS in March 2007 increased its fares with the range now from 15 to 40 baht. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has approved an increase to a maximum of 45 baht 18 months after the latest adjustment. Even though it would fall short of ridership targets, Mr Anat said BTS would be on track to increase its revenue by 4-5% this year from 2007 with a net profit.

He declined to reveal the exact figures last year but said it generated 9-10 million baht per day on weekdays and 6-8 million a day on weekends. ''Our operations are already far beyond the break-even level, which is three million baht per day,'' Mr Anat said.

The skytrain operator is expected to complete business rehabilitation to substantially cut its debt to 10 billion baht from almost 50 billion baht by the end of this year. However, the target could be delayed as minority creditors have appealed to the court against the plan. The two BTS elevated rail lines currently cover 23.5 kilometres, and the three extensions that are planned would extend the total length of the system to 41 km. BTS has ordered 12 more trains to serve more passengers, Mr Anat said.

With a total investment of 150 billion baht, the government has planned to develop five more rail lines in Bangkok, two of which are likely to start construction by the end of this year. ''The route expansion would definately benefit BTS by helping us to increase ridership. Now, our routes are in strategic locations in central Bangkok where people have to commute to avoid congested traffic,'' he said.

[Wisarut]

Number of Daily Passenger in Feb 2008
Weekdays: 428,020 passengers a day
Saturdays: 329,440 passengers a day
Sundays: 247,585 passengers a day

The number of pasenger is up by 1.51% from the same period in 2007
REF: Matichon 20 March 2008

[Yappofloyd]

Oil-price shock good for train operators -Skytrain and subway passenger totals rising NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 12/05/08

Operators of Bangkok's elevated train and subway have enjoyed a significant rise in ridership in recent months as motorists have switched to mass-transit trains to avoid skyrocketing oil prices. Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), which operates the two elevated train lines in the capital, has seen weekday ridership rise from 400,000 daily as of last year to 430,000 last week, while weekend numbers have risen to about 300,000 a day from 250,000.

The number of people using the subway is also up, peaking at 196,000 daily in March from 184,000 in 2007, according to SET-listed Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), which runs the 20-km route. ''The increase has been substantial in the past two months, prompting us to believe that Bangkok commuters were switching from other modes of transport to use our service including those having their own cars,'' said Anat Arbhabhirama, an adviser to the BTSC board.


Middle-income office workers can no longer shoulder the rising cost of living and travel and food expenses now account for half of their salaries, he said. ''People have started to feel that transport is a burden so they use their cars less frequently and turn to mass-transit trains as a preferred option,'' added Mr Anat.

BMCL corporate relations director Chartchai Praditpong said subway ridership has been surging in line with rising fuel prices. ''Expensive oil prices are definately one of the reasons that more people use the subway,'' said Mr Chartchai. ''Despite school vacations when people tend to use transport less frequently, our ridership has yet to drop.''

The recent increase of passengers has prompted BMCL to believe that its ridership would remain on track to reach 200,000 to 220,000 this year. The subway operator has been granted approval to hike fares, now 15-39 baht per trip, to between 16 and 41 baht from next year. ''Despite the coming fare hike, we don't expect ridership to go down. Compared to the costly oil prices, using the subway is still a saver for consumers,'' Mr Chartchai said.

[Yappofloyd]

Ridership no.s are really exploding if they are in the 440,000 to 460,000 range on weekdays. And given how packed the trains are getting in peak hours those new 4 car rolling stock to be delivered early next year are sorely needed.

Taxi fare hike could help skytrain and subway operators NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 04/07/08

Operators of Bangkok's elevated train and subway are looking forward to increased ridership now that taxi fares have risen by an average of 12% per trip. The starting rate for taxis yesterday rose to 35 baht for the first kilometre instead of two kilometres before. The fares would then be increased to five baht per kilometre for the second to twelfth kilometres, 5.50 baht a kilometre for the 12th to 20th km, six baht a kilometre for the 20th to 40th km, 6.50 baht a kilometre for the 40th to 60th km, 7.50 baht a kilometre for the 60th to 80th km, and 8.50 baht a kilometre beyond that.

Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTS), which operates two elevated train lines in the capital, expects its ridership to increase as some Bangkok commuters shun taxis after the fare rises. Since the beginning of this year, high oil prices have encouraged motorists to stop using their cars and opt for BTS service, said Anat Arbhabhirama, an advisor to the BTS board of directors.

The skytrain's ridership now stands at 440,000 to 460,000 on weekdays, up from the average of 400,000 per day last year, and 370,000 on Saturday and up to 300,000 on Sunday, he said. ''Some people are travelling and shopping less often at this time. But for those who decide to make a trip, they are often choosing the BTS,'' Mr Anat said.

Bangkok Metro Plc (BMCL), the subway operator, said its passenger total could also rise from the current average of 190,000 daily. ''The taxi fare hike might help push our ridership up but probably not significantly because the current subway network does not cover all the areas Bangkok commuters want to travel to,'' said Chartchai Praditpong, corporate relations director of BMCL. ''So they choose taxis to go to places the subway does not reach.''

BMCL operates a 20-km line with fares from 15 to 39 baht. It received Transport Ministry approval to raise fares to a range of 16 to 40 baht from yesterday, but has delayed it until January. ''We think the current high oil prices mean consumers are not in a position to afford higher fares,'' Mr Chartchai said. BMCL's ridership is up 5% from last year and it believes it can reach a daily average of 200,000 by year-end, he added.