THAILAND ONE/ TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
BTS: THE SKYTRAIN IN BANGKOK
Plans for mass transit in Bangkok originated in the early 1980s with an initial version of the Skytrain project, known as the Lavalin Skytrain, which was modeled after the Vancouver SkyTrain and utilized technology developed by SNC-Lavalin. However, the concession with Lavalin was canceled in June 1992 due to political interference, despite the ongoing traffic congestion in Bangkok. BTS: THE SKYTRAIN IN BANGKOK
STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY/ ALEXI VAN DAMME
T HE Thai government then shifted its considered for the Skytrain project later formed the basis for the MRT system, which is primarily underground. In the early 1990s, foundations and a viaduct for the Lavalin Skytrain were built in the middle of the Phra Pok Klao Bridge spanning the Chao Phraya River, with this viaduct ultimately repurposed into a sky park in June 2020. focus to expanding road and expressway infrastructure, which had little effect as the number of cars on the roads continued to rise dramatically. The routes initially
transit project. Thanayong Public Company Limited held a 28% stake in BTSC at the time the Skytrain launched, and thus the system was sometimes referred to as the "Thanayong Skytrain" in its early days. Siemens, the supplier of rail technology, and the Thai contractor, Italian Thai Development, constructed the system for BTSC. The name "Skytrain" was later adopted by the press, inspired by the Vancouver model, where the elevated metro was also called "Skytrain." Initially, the Skytrain depot was planned to be sited beneath Lumphini Park, but due to significant public objections, it was ultimately built on a piece of land on Phahonyothin Road, replacing the old northern/northeastern bus terminal (Mo Chit). The current depot at Mo Chit is part of the proposed "Bangkok Terminal" project, which envisions a major complex housing a new regional bus terminal, a park-and-ride facility, and other commercial developments on top of it. The Skytrain system officially opened on December 5, 1999, by Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Initially, ridership was below expectations, averaging 200,000 passenger trips per day. Ticket revenue was sufficient only to cover operational costs, failing to service construction loans. However, daily passenger numbers have steadily increased since then. On December 9, 2005, the Skytrain recorded more than 500,000 single trips in a single day for the first time. By September 2012, the system served approximately 600,000 passengers on an average day, rising to 650,000 on an average weekday in 2013. A record 760,000 passengers traveled on Sunday, December 22, 2013, during a day of significant political protests in Bangkok, although the typical Sunday average was around 400,000 passengers. As of 2017, the BTS operated a fleet of 52 four-car trains (208 carriages). »
system.
To meet the increasing capacity demands of existing lines and accommodate extensions of the Sukhumvit Line south to Kheha and north to Khu Khot, 46 new four-car trains (184 carriages) were ordered, with deliveries occurring from 2018 to 2020. The stations in the system are all elevated and designed across three distinct levels. At street level, passengers can access the stations via stairs, escalators, and lifts. This level typically houses utility equipment, such as generators and water tanks, which are often located on traffic islands. The first elevated level contains ticket booths, small kiosk-style shops, and fare gates. Passengers can reach the second level (or the third level at Siam station) using stairs, lifts, and escalators. This level is dedicated to the platforms and rails, featuring a side platform layout for most stations. Notable exceptions include Siam Station, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao Station, and Samrong Station, which use island platforms. Siam Station’s island platforms facilitate easy cross- platform interchange between the two lines of the
Each platform design allows for precise alignment of train doors, ensuring equal distances between doors across all cars. Markings on the platform indicate where the doors will align when the train stops. Although the platforms are constructed to accommodate six-car trains, only four-car trains are currently operational. To enhance safety and provide assistance, security personnel are stationed at every platform and in the ticketing areas. The Skytrain system in Thailand features five key interchange stations—Sala Daeng, Asok, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, Bang Wa, and Mo Chit—connecting with the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Additionally, Saphan Taksin station is conveniently linked to the nearby Sathon Pier, a stop for the Chao Phraya Express Boat services. Many of these stations are also connected to nearby buildings and public amenities via skybridges, offering easy access for pedestrians. »
Another unsuccessful attempt at establishing an elevated rail network was the Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System (BERTS), which was halted in 1998 after completing only 13.77% of the project. As the Lavalin Skytrain project stalled, then- Governor Major General Chamlong Srimuang tasked his deputy, Captain Kritsada Arunwong na Ayutthaya, with developing a new feeder system along Sukhumvit and Silom Roads. Kritsada and his team from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) successfully secured a private investor and convinced stakeholders to allow the city to oversee the project. Keeree Kanjanapas founded the Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC), which effectively financed the system and expanded it into a full mass
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THAILAND ONE
AUGUST/ SEPTEMBER 2024
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