Best train system in the world, overall, when you consider the extent and the cleanliness, at least the cleanliness and modernity of the commuter system, the SRT connections can be gnarly, but still safe.

 

 

In their list of major important stations, they missed of NaNa! 😁  Actually, for many, Saphan Thaksin is an important station too. 

 

It is a shame that BTS and MRT are not linked with a common payment method/card. Would make travel easier and better value. I used the MRT a few weeks ago and they now accept contactless debit/credit cards at the entry/exit barriers which is really handy (I used a UK credit card). Hopefully, at least, BTS might do same sometime. 

Yes, BTS/MRT is nice system.  But have you been to TPE, SIN, Tokyo and other major Asian cities? Their transit systems much more advanced.  BKK late to the game.

Yeah, the Bangkok system is good and easy to use.  Lack of joined up payment is a pain, but is not the end of the world.  Coverage is improving, but is not top tier just yet I think.  Time Out Magazine did a survey around Asia and Hong Kong came out on top.  No mention of Bangkok in their list, but it of course depends on who they actually asked.

 

https://www.timeout.com/asia/news/the-nine-asian-cities-with-the-best-public-transport-according-to-time-out-032425

I love the BTS and the MRT.  But I feel for the poor folks who queue up every time they get on one or the other, instead of buying a stored value card (one for each system, but no big deal).

 

To anyone reading this who is paying one journey at a time, take your passport and buy a stored value card.  It won't save too much time when it's quiet, but it saves a ton of time when it's jammed up.  I top up my cards when there's no queue at the windows.   No passport required to top up.

 

Strangely, my new K-Bank debit card didn't work on the Visa option when I tested it.  But, oh well.  And I'm still getting the Elder discount on the MRT, grandfathered in, in spite of being a Yank. (I hope I didn't just jinx it)

 

16 hours ago, setbkk said:

Yes, BTS/MRT is nice system.  But have you been to TPE, SIN, Tokyo and other major Asian cities? Their transit systems much more advanced.  BKK late to the game.

I found the trains in Bangkok to be far easier than in Tokyo in terms of where I wanted to go.

3 hours ago, impulse said:

I love the BTS and the MRT.  But I feel for the poor folks who queue up every time they get on one or the other, instead of buying a stored value card (one for each system, but no big deal).

Mine are about 6 years old, you need to use them once a year.

19 hours ago, setbkk said:

BKK late to the game.

 

You should see Manila 🙂

    BTS and MRT are both good but very crowded.  Both need extra train cars added to handle the many more riders these days.