Build-up to Opening Feb 1, 2005

[jpatokal]

Now how did this 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]

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]

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]

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/n...2004-04-16.wmv 56K
http://www.mcot.net/tltk/tvarchiveHi...2004-04-16.wmv 256K

[ncr]

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]

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

[Wisarut]

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]

What are the five questions they ask?

[Wisarut]

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]

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]

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

[The Enforcer!]

MRTA Thai website seems to say the same!!

The Enforcer!

[The Enforcer!]

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]

yep...

there's something about it here:

http://2bangkok.com/2bangkok/Skytrai....shtml#connect

[Wisarut]

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.