The New Skytrain

[Lakegeneve]

4 minutes ago, CLW said:

Any update about the opening of the green line extension of Phahon Yothin station?
I think it was planned at end of this year but regarding the status of the recent construction works I think this it not possible.

How about the red line? Is there an operation date announced yet?

SRT Dark Red Line now has an opening date of Oct 2020 but that will probably slip into 2021 knowing the SRT! (Original opening date was 2016!)

 

The only BTS (actually MRTA built) ext due to open this year is the Southern ext from Samrong to Keha Samut Prakhan.

 

For the Northern ext, the first station outside Central Latphrao which is nominally named Latphrao Intersection (in Thai it is '5 way intersection') is "planned" to open in the 2nd quarter of 2019. It might open by mid 2019 would be my suggestion.

 

You can see a concept of the station in this video at around the .50 mark;

 

 

[Lakegeneve]

Interchange station names

One of the issues to highlight are station names at interchange stations. The nominal name of BTS Latphrao Intersection station prompted me to mention this.

 

The general international practice is to have the same station name for different lines in the same geographic location, especially where they interchange. You don't see Hong Kong or Singapore using diff names and in Paris or London for example you can have anywhere between 3 to 5 diff lines interchanging at one location using the same station name.

 

Here with the lack of integration and different operators, the practice has not been implemented even though the BMA acknowledged that it is an issue a couple of years ago.

 

egs. BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak

BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit

BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom

We do have a BTS Phaya Thai and an ARL Phaya Thai though and we will have an MRT Blue line Bang Wah which will interchange with BTS Bang Wah.

 

This will become more of a problem as more lines open. For example, the Yellow line will start at Ratchada station directly above MRT Latphrao. Similarly, the Yellow line Pattanakhan station will interchange with ARL Hua Mark. There is inconsistency which currently causes confusion for pax and will do more so in the future.

[CLW]

Interchange station names
One of the issues to highlight are station names at interchange stations. The nominal name of BTS Latphrao Intersection station prompted me to mention this.
 
The general international practice is to have the same station name for different lines in the same geographic location, especially where they interchange. You don't see Hong Kong or Singapore using diff names and in Paris or London for example you can have anywhere between 3 to 5 diff lines interchanging at one location using the same station name.
 
Here with the lack of integration and different operators, the practice has not been implemented even though the BMA acknowledged that it is an issue a couple of years ago.
 
egs. BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak
BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit
BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom
We do have a BTS Phaya Thai and an ARL Phaya Thai though and we will have an MRT Blue line Bang Wah which will interchange with BTS Bang Wah.
 
This will become more of a problem as more lines open. For example, the Yellow line will start at Ratchada station directly above MRT Latphrao. Similarly, the Yellow line Pattanakhan station will interchange with ARL Hua Mark. There is inconsistency which currently causes confusion for pax and will do more so in the future.

They should change it now.
The earlier the better.
It might cause some confusion though the network is still small yet so it might be easier to introduce.
And also easier for people to remember

[Argus Tuft]

8 year old topic, shouldn't this be closed down now?  Current posts have nothing to do with the original post

[Scott]

//CLOSED//

[Scott]

Per request, re-opened.

[dantilley]

Thanks @Scott please leave this informative and useful thread open.

[zakk9]

Thanks for keeping it open. This is the most informative thread on Thaivisa, at least for those of us who live in Bangkok.

[CLW]

Another thing, on the MRTA busses I saw a advertising about a Hino Hybrid bus purchased with help of Jica Agency.
Does someone know more about this?

Being pessimistic / realistic I would guess they just purchased one demonstration model while for a public service with hybrid busses we'll probably have to wait for a decade.

[Thian]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

Another thing, on the MRTA busses I saw a advertising about a Hino Hybrid bus purchased with help of Jica Agency.
Does someone know more about this?

Being pessimistic / realistic I would guess they just purchased one demonstration model while for a public service with hybrid busses we'll probably have to wait for a decade.

Do they have public hybrid buses in germany?

[CLW]

Do they have public hybrid buses in germany?

Yes, 204 vehicles according to a quite old source from 2014.

https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybridbus

[Crossy]

I may have missed it in News, but the first of BTS's new trains has arrived.

 

 

Current planning puts the new trains in service when the extension past Samrong opens in December.

 

Made by Siemens and taking a lead from the MRT these 4-car trains have at least one "seatless" car.

 

[Gaccha]

How will this station Tha Pra work as an interchange station? It has three blue lines merging on it. Does everyone get off and change trains to proceed? Is one line a through line (and if so, which one?)?

[Gaccha]

How will this station Tha Pra work as an interchange station? It has three blue lines merging on it. Does everyone get off and change trains to proceed? Is one line a through line (and if so, which one?)?

[CLW]

Another thing, on the MRTA busses I saw a advertising about a Hino Hybrid bus purchased with help of Jica Agency.
Does someone know more about this?

Being pessimistic / realistic I would guess they just purchased one demonstration model while for a public service with hybrid busses we'll probably have to wait for a decade.

Hybrid bus (or busses) now in Service passing Chatuchak Park. I think it was bus line #164

[CLW]

I may have missed it in News, but the first of BTS's new trains has arrived.
 

 
Current planning puts the new trains in service when the extension past Samrong opens in December.
 
Made by Siemens and taking a lead from the MRT these 4-car trains have at least one "seatless" car.
 

I read in the news this week that soon also one new MRT train will arrive. Followed by more next year.

It's been quiet about ARL purchases. The last news I heard that they plan to change some express line trains to commuter trains. Are those the missing trains that had some problems about the maintenance contract?

[Crossy]

1 hour ago, Gaccha said:

How will this station Tha Pra work as an interchange station? It has three blue lines merging on it. Does everyone get off and change trains to proceed? Is one line a through line (and if so, which one?)?

Tha Pra has only one Blue Line, it passes through the station twice on different levels.

 

Staying on the train when it passes Tha Pra will (eventually) bring you back to Tha Pra on the other pair of platforms.

 

You, as the passenger, decide whether you need to change to the other platform for a shorter trip to your destination.

 

[Number 6]

How much do these cars cost? Such as a subway or new BTS car?

[Thian]

1 hour ago, Number 6 said:

How much do these cars cost? Such as a subway or new BTS car?

There were issues about payments to Siemens when the whole skytrain was built.

 

So i guess they might cost a little more this time.

[Lakegeneve]

On 9/23/2014 at 11:06 AM, Lakegeneve said:

Blue Line extension - Tha Phra station

 

A great pic here of Blue Line extension Tha Phra station construction site. It will be built above the intersection of Phetkasem rd & Charan Sanit Wong rd (Inner Ring rd) which has a flyover.

 

 

Tha Phra station is unique as it is an interchange station for the same line - very rare in the world. Both levels serve the Blue Line, which is a fake loop line. The design also means that the Blue line can be extended further south along the Inner Ring rd in the future if required. (See the following post regarding the Grey line).

 

 

 

Although, an extension west further along Phetkasem rd is currently being evaluated and will the first priority for any possible future extensions of this line once this extension is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quote

How will this station Tha Pra work as an interchange station? It has three blue lines merging on it. Does everyone get off and change trains to proceed? Is one line a through line (and if so, which one?)?

Crossy already answered you, but I have quoted an old post which shows the station design and render which may also help.

 

There is also this recent MRTA PR video filmed at Tha Pra station which starts with a still of a birds eye view of the station;. Thankfully, the music is a little better than normal too;

 

 

 

[Lakegeneve]

On 6/5/2018 at 1:23 PM, Lakegeneve said:

ARL update:

The Eastern HSR tender is out and the expectation is that a winning bid will be awarded by July/August with work commencing by the end of the year ....if all goes smoothly - which it never does! http://www.railway.co.th/download/2561/Invitation-to-Tender-HSR3Airports.pdf

 

The Transport Ministry has decided that whoever wins the bid to build and run the Eastern HSR will also take over operating the ARL. The SRTET will be abolished and a new SRT entity will be established to manage the 4 planned HSR lines.

 

I now estimate that any new rolling stock for the ARL will not be available until 2022 at the earliest unless the previously mentioned leasing plan come to fruition - knowing the SRT it probably won't.

Quote

I read in the news this week that soon also one new MRT train will arrive. Followed by more next year.

It's been quiet about ARL purchases. The last news I heard that they plan to change some express line trains to commuter trains. Are those the missing trains that had some problems about the maintenance contract?

CLW, no change to what I posted a few months ago. Expect not to see any new rolling stock before 2022..............

[Lakegeneve]

On 1/8/2018 at 1:58 PM, Lakegeneve said:

The usual caveat....this is only a summary and all is subject to change. Politics, dysfunction and an endemic lack of coordination abounds in the implementation of mass transit policy and projects. Please note that the list numbers only refer to projects/lines or expected extensions based on future plans - numbers have nothing to do with the MOT/OTP M-MAP 10 line master plan (which is currently being reviewed and updated).

 

Some notes;

1) The main progress since my last update in July 2017 (see #596) is that the Orange line construction is well underway and that the MRT Pink line has also started some site construction work. The MRT Yellow line has some preliminary work underway but proper construction is still at least a few months away. The 1.8km ‘toy’ Gold line Auto monorail line has supposedly also started construction but I’m a little skeptical of that.

 

Currently, some 140kms of new lines are under construction (The current network is around 113kms of what will eventually be some 540kms of metro and suburban lines) 

 

2) In the first half of 2018, we should also see tenders on the Purple Line southern extension (delayed from last year), the MRT Blue line 7.8km west extension, and also the Western section of the Orange line which Cabinet is pushing as a PPP model.

 The SRT Dark Red Line ext to Thammasat Uni and SRT Light Red line to Salaya exts are also expected to be tendered this year.

 There is also a small chance that one of the 3 BTS exts may be tendered but given the ongoing standoff between the MRTA and BMA on the current 2 extensions, I don’t see another tender going out until next year.

 

4) 2018 Openings: The BTS Suk line southern ext from Samrong to Kheha SP will open in December.

 

5) After nearly 20 years the 2 ‘missing’ BTS stations, S4 & N6, are finally being built. Work should begin in 2018.

 

Feel free to ask queries as they are a few people here with specialist knowledge but pls don't quote the complete list if you do post a query.

 

BANGKOK METRO & SUBURBAN NETWORK - UPDATED SUMMARY LIST (Jan 2018)

 

A) LINES/EXTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION:

1) MRTA Blue Line ring ext (subway) Tha Phra & Bang Khae ext: (Civil works progress 97%)
a) Hua Lamphong - Lak Song, 13.9 km , 7 elevated & 4 underground stations. Opens March 2019. 

Bang Sue - Tha Phra, 13.1 km, 7 elevated stations, Opens 2020. Website: http://www.mrta-blueline.com/

2) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line Southern Ext) Samrong to Kheha Samut Prakan ext (MRTA): 11.4km, 6 stations. Opens in Dec 2018. (Civil works progress 100%). Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
 

3) SRT Dark Red Line suburban line from Bang Sue to Rangsit: 26km, 8 stations* (Started March 2013, opens June 2020 - civil works progress 89%). *SRT Dark Red Line is metre gauge, electric. 
 

4) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line Northern Ext):
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations, 

b ) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
(Construction started late 2015, opening in 2019 - civil works progress 51.21%).  1^st Phase to Lat Phrao station to open early 2019.  Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/

 

5) MRTA Orange Line eastern section Phase 1: 20km, 17 stations (10 underground, 7 elevated) Thai Cultural Center to Minburi. Construction stated July 2017, to open 2022. (Civil works progress 3.79% Website: http://www.mrta-orangeline.net/ and

 

6) MRTA Pink Line (Monorail): Khae Rai intersection to Miniburi via Pakred, Chaeng Wattana & Ram Inthra 36km, 30 stations. Construction started Dec 2017, to open April 2021 but expect 2022 as being more realistic. http://www.mrta.co.th/pinkline/index.html

7) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail): 30.4km, 23 stations elevated. Latphrao to Hua Mark to Samrong. Prelim. construction starting soon after public consult., to open April 2021 but expect 2022 as being more realistic. http://www.mrta-yellowline.com/

 

? BMA Gold Line (Auto monorail): 1.8km, 3 stations, Krung Thonburi to Klong San. Construction has reportedly started in late Dec 2017, to open late 2019.

 

9) New Intercity terminal at Bang Sue for all N, NE and S SRT intercity trains, Airport Line extension and both SRT Red Lines. (Construction started May 2014, opening 2019/20 – (civil works progress 57.50%). 

 

LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2018:

10) Purple Line ext south. Taopoon to WWY then to Ratburna: 23.6 km. 17 stations (12.6km 10 stations underground, 11km 7 stations elevated). Note: Approved for tender by Cabinet on 25 July. Tender delayed due to PPP proposal. If construction starts by mid 2018, a 2024 is likely. 

Route: https://www.facebook.com/MRTA.PR/videos/1875103962706329

11) Orange Line Phase 2, west section: From TCC to Bang Khun Non (Charan Sawitwong rd). 17.5km, 13 stations underground. Tender delayed due to PPP proposal.
12) Blue Line west ext to Phutthamonthon sai 4: 7.8km, 4 stations elevated.

 

13) SRT Dark Red Line north ext suburban line from Rangsit to Thammasat Uni: 8.5kms, 4 stations

14) SRT Light Red line extension: Taling Chan to Salaya to Siraj, 13km, 6 stations

15) BTS S4 Suksa Wittaya station to be built in 2018.

16) BTS N6 Sena Ruam station to be built in 2018

 

C) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2019-2020??

17) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line south from Paknam to Bang Pu: 4 stations (planned)

18) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line north ext: from Kukot to Outer Ring rd, 4 stations (planned)

19) BTS Light Green (Silom) line ext from Bang Wah to Taling Chan: 7km, 6 stations (planned) 

20) Airport Rail Link (ARL) extension from Phayathai to Bangsue to Don Meaung (DMK): 21.8km, 5 stations (much delayed)
21) MRTA Grey Monorail Line: 26km, 21 stations. Rama 9 Bridge to Kaset-Nawamin/Ram Inthra (Completing EIA). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Grey_Line

 

D) NEXT BATCH OF LINES/EXTs (2022>) - assuming that all goes well in the next 2-3 years
22) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
23) SRT Dark Red Line south ext: 59 km, 22 stations
a) Bang Sue to Hualumphong to Wong Wian Yai, 7 stations
b ) WWY to Mahachai, 15 stations

24) SRT Light Red ext from Bang Sue to Hua Mark, 7 stations (Note: duplicates the ARL line)

25) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) spur line or LRT from Bang Na intersection to Central Bang Na & BKK Airport (planned)

E) THEREAFTER OR UNDER STUDY (2025 >)

26) Brown Monorail Line: 20.5km, 21 stations. Monorail Khae Rai intersection along Ngam Wong Wan, Kaset-Namawin to Lam Sali intersection (interchange with Yellow and Orange). (Feasibility study until mid 2018) http://www.brownline-fs2560.com/index.html
27) MRTA Purple Line north ext : 4.5km ext to Sai Noi intersection (requested by Nonthaburi province but no confirmation).
28) BMA Light Blue Line: 9.5km, 9 stations. Monorail. Sathon to Pracha Songkhro. (Status TBC)

 

As the last update was in Jan, it is about time for a new one. I'll get onto that soon.

 

You'll notice further delays to the Purple and Orange line extensions which were to be tendered in the 2nd half of 2017 while the PPP framework has been finalised. SRT Red lines tender exts also delayed. The MRT Brown line has advanced and is in the process of being approved by Cabinet.

[Argus Tuft]

Appreciated as always Lakegeneve!

[josephbloggs]

5 hours ago, Lakegeneve said:

Crossy already answered you, but I have quoted an old post which shows the station design and render which may also help.

 

There is also this recent MRTA PR video filmed at Tha Pra station which starts with a still of a birds eye view of the station;. Thankfully, the music is a little better than normal too;

 

 

 

Thanks for an informative post, as always.

 

It looks like a really well designed station!  Wide concourses, plenty of space, and decent sized lifts.  Have they finally got the hang of designing these things now and have learnt from experience?  Or is it just that this is an interchange station so they have more space?

 

I am a great fan of all the mass transit systems here and think they are great for the city, although aware of their shortfalls.  Looks like they have been addressed here.

[josephbloggs]

And I find it fascinating that such thin pillars can support such enormous weight and such an enormous structure above - it just looks so strange.  Kudos to the engineers and designers.  Pretty sure the shop house owners wouldn't be quite so awestruck though.

 

 

[YT3k72Em]

12 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Pretty sure the shop house owners wouldn't be quite so awestruck though.

The pedestrians too !

[kkerry]

The BTS light green line from Kukot to the Outer Ring Road... it will run above 3312 Lam Luk Ka Road, correct? Is there an ETA for this line to be up and running?

[kkerry]

Reading some of the previous posts again, I see what is the light green line on one map is called dark green elsewhere so not before 2020?

 

I hope it's better engineered than its website... ?  This Domain Name Has Expired    

 

[melvinmelvin]

On 8/29/2018 at 4:54 PM, josephbloggs said:

 

I am a great fan of all the mass transit systems here and think they are great for the city, although aware of their shortfalls.  Looks like they have been addressed here.

 

 

I am also a fan of mass transit systems. But I have some serious doubts re the wisdom of what they are doing in BKK ++.

I am reasonably sure they will strongly regret this within 10 years.

 

Several new transport systems are being designed and built, all incompatible,

electric light

skytrain

mrt-underground

srt

monorail

and I am sure there are more

 

If you look at BKK, you do not need to go far from the city centre before you find large areas of undeveloped land,

can be used for housing can be used for business or both.

When that happens a major shift in transport requirements will surface. In order to cater for that you need flexibility

in the transport network. You dont have that. Too many incompatible systems.

[Lakegeneve]

17 hours ago, kkerry said:

The BTS light green line from Kukot to the Outer Ring Road... it will run above 3312 Lam Luk Ka Road, correct? Is there an ETA for this line to be up and running?

Yes, it will run along Lam Lukka rd. It is listed as #18 in the list above under (C) with the estimated tender date of 2019/20.

 

I still think that this is accurate as MRTA has been stating that they wish to do this and the last section of the southern extension soon, but the reality is that the delays  to the Purple and Orange line extensions will push this back. In reality, it should be contracted before the full northern extension opens in late 2019. 

 

Here is a recent update of the Northern extension if you have good long sight vision....