Longer Trains Desperately Needed On The BTS Sukhumvit Line

[webfact]

TWEEPLE'S COLUMN

Longer trains desperately needed on the BTS Sukhumvit line

By By Dave Sherman

From the day BTS extended its Sukhumvit Line from On Nut to Bearing, the rush-hour commute on that line has become… well, unbearable. With a reported 100,000 additional daily commuters using the extended line, every train headed in the direction of Bangkok's central business district is now crowded beyond capacity and can no longer handle many of the passengers waiting on the platforms.

Many commuters have to let one or two trains pass before they are lucky enough to be able to board. This used to happen once in awhile. Now it's becoming the frustrating norm.

BTS has announced that it will tackle the overcrowding by adding two trains to its rush-hour schedule. That's right, not adding two cars to each train, not even adding two trains per hour - adding just two extra trains during an entire rush-hour period.

The only possible response to this, save for a barrage of unprintable obscenities, is, "They've got to be joking!"

For some time now, and long before the extension to Bearing, Sukhumvit Line trains have been getting more and more congested, especially during peak hours and on weekends. The reason is simple - the number of passengers using the line has grown dramatically, but the trains haven't.

Since it began its Skytrain service in 1999, BTS has operated only short three-car trains on the Sukhumvit Line. This made sense 12 years ago, when only 200,000 passengers made the daily trip, and it wasn't yet clear how successful the service would become. But within a few years, passenger numbers had risen to 500,000 per day - and longer trains became first, more desirable, and later, a real necessity. Last year, BTS began operating new four-car trains on the Silom Line, but the longer and more passenger-heavy Sukhumvit Line was left with its older three-car units.

But as BTS proudly unveiled its extension on that already overburdened line, it had made no corresponding provisions to cope with the extra passenger load. The announced addition of two extra trains during rush hour is an absurdly inadequate response to the congestion problem - way too little and much too late.

The only thing that can alleviate the overcrowding now is the addition of more cars to each train. That could be done in a number of ways. First, by adding one to two trailer (middle) cars to existing trains. Last year Siemens, the maker of trains operating on the Sukhumvit Line, had agreed to provide additional trailer cars to its units, but it's unclear what happened to this arrangement, as BTS has made no recent mention of it.

Another solution would be to bring some of the new four-car Bombardier trains BTS operates on the Silom Line over to the Sukhumvit Line, but the Chinese-made trains have had a number of technical issues over the past few months, so BTS may be reluctant to expand their service. BTS should also be able to make some of its three-car trains into a six-car unit by connecting the motor car of one unit to that of the other. Many commuter trains are lengthened in this manner. And all BTS stations were built to handle a six-car train, so the new train length will be perfectly in line with the stations' design.

For now, BTS would only need to lengthen some of its trains - probably, every third arrival - during rush hour to alleviate passenger congestion. Unless BTS has absolutely no train units to spare, it is hard to understand why they won't apply this solution at once.

For the past 12 years BTS has provided a vital, and, for the most part, efficient service to Bangkok's commuters. That's why it's so disheartening to watch it flounder this time, unable to deal with a problem that should've been entirely predictable and planned for.

One thing is clear. BTS can't continue operating a light-rail network in an urban area of over 15 million people using trains designed for service in a small town - or an amusement park. With the new government promising 10 new Skytrain routes, it's difficult to see how BTS will be able to cope with such major changes if it can't even manage an extension of one line by a mere five stations.

There's no longer any choice. BTS and its customers need trains that reflect the reality of their environment - and they need them now.

Dave Sherman is a freelance writer living, working and suffering commutes in Bangkok. He can be found on Twitter as @Bangkokdave or at bangkokdave.blog.com.

-- The Nation 2011-09-05

[Murf]

It's bloody dangerous at Siam at rush hour, soooo many people on the platform that people struggle to GET OFF the trians, never mind get on.

Like most things here it will probably take something bad to happen before it is changed, like an accident. I can forsee too many people on the platform, and people getting pushed onto the lines.

[CNF55]

The article is spot on.

Travelling by BTS is becoming more and more of nightmare and why they do not add more cars is beyond me. It can't be that much more expensive to run a train with 4 instead of 3 cars - a bit more maintenance cost but that should be about all.

[beano2274]

loads of trains and carriages sat at Mochit terminal not being used. Maybe should change the trains from the Silom line to Sukhumvit line as they are longer, but the door closing sound is horrendous.

[Bakseedaa]

loads of trains and carriages sat at Mochit terminal not being used. Maybe should change the trains from the Silom line to Sukhumvit line as they are longer, but the door closing sound is horrendous.

Is that from the screams of the people trapped in the doors..?

[toenail]

It is a no brainer to add more car, why not????? (no kick back...no profit to be made???) The BTS officials in control should be flattered/ happy that there are so many people using the Skytrain . Be pro-activer for once, and "THINK".

[farangtoone]

BTS is bad but is anyone taking the MRT in rush hour? Same problem, people stepping on toes, pushing everyone around.. Driving a car is not an option anymore either because you never know what time you will reach your destination.

Now relax, you've reached your office and you won't face that problem again until this evening

[falangjim]

I agree with everything the writer of the article has to say, and with all of the subsequent replies. But while we're on the subject, could something be done to make the purchasing of a BTS ticket more efficient? I feel like I'm in a casino slotting ridiculous amouts of coins just for a one-way pass. And no change machines? Again waiting in line to see a real person who doles out change? How about upgrading the ticket machines to accept 20,50 and 100 baht notes? That might make the ride experience a lot less frustrating. Thanks for reading.

[sungod]

Wow, shock horror!!!!

This has been happening on the MRT heading south into Asoke for years, the closer you are to Asoke, the more likely it is you may have to wait for 2 or more trains.

Going back to the BTS, start charging people to use the Bearing to On Nut section and see if the numbers drop then?

Edited September 5, 2011 by sungod

[beano2274]

I agree with everything the writer of the article has to say, and with all of the subsequent replies. But while we're on the subject, could something be done to make the purchasing of a BTS ticket more efficient? I feel like I'm in a casino slotting ridiculous amouts of coins just for a one-way pass. And no change machines? Again waiting in line to see a real person who doles out change? How about upgrading the ticket machines to accept 20,50 and 100 baht notes? That might make the ride experience a lot less frustrating. Thanks for reading.

The have those machines but only at some stations and only one machine in the station. If they had them they would have to reduce staff and companies in Thailand thrive on saying they have so many people working for them, makes them feel important.

[ChiangMaiThai]

I live near Thonglor BTS and travel 4 stations to Ploenchit BTS. It has become incredibly unpleasant with waits of up to 20 minutes just to get on a train - and once you are on there is no need to hold onto anything because you are being propped up from all angles by other people and literally can't move. Multiple times they have had to close the Thonglor station and not allow any more people in as the backlog of people trying to get on the trains has meant that many people were being pushed towards the tracks. Once you finally make it on a train, numerous times it has simply stopped on the tracks between stations with no announcement for up to 15 minutes at a time. If you are at all claustrophobic or prone to anxiety - or if you just need to use the restroom, this is not fun.

Really, it is a complete disaster. The people who chose to extend 4 stations and add two trains during rush hour to handle an additional 100,000 people should all lose their jobs and the new management should urgently add extra carriages to every single train.

[Buzzybee]

I think they just have to add more trains travelling to accommodate the need. Longer routes mean more commuters and so that demands more trains specially in rush hours. I took the MRT (subway) last week in the morning between eight to nine, I had to wait for the next train to get on the ride, there were lots of commuters and it was so crowded.

Edited September 5, 2011 by Buzzybee

[sfbandung]

It really is a no brainer, to quote almost every poster. Dave has sure done his homework.

Remember pre Skytrain days though? I remember visiting my brother when he worked there 15 years ago. It was unbelievable. How soon we forget!

Perhaps common sense will prevail.

Edited September 5, 2011 by sfbandung

[matador007]

Get a BTS Card

Seems like a lot of locals/regular users don't even get this convenient card.

Entirely worth it, if you find yourself spending 5-15mins in line every time to get a 1-time card.

I think if the machines accept notes, could be more of a problem than a help -- with folded corners on bills and stuff, so I can see why its a change-only thing. But seems to work on MRT machines, so it can work.

I agree with everything the writer of the article has to say, and with all of the subsequent replies. But while we're on the subject, could something be done to make the purchasing of a BTS ticket more efficient? I feel like I'm in a casino slotting ridiculous amouts of coins just for a one-way pass. And no change machines? Again waiting in line to see a real person who doles out change? How about upgrading the ticket machines to accept 20,50 and 100 baht notes? That might make the ride experience a lot less frustrating. Thanks for reading.

Edited September 5, 2011 by matador007

[hbullinger]

The BTS also seems to have overlooked the additional passenger numbers on their trains due to the connection to the Airport Rail link at Phyathai station. A lot of these passengers also carry bulky luggage with them which makes the congestion in the carriges even worse. Add to this cattle transport conditions the ongoing lack of elevators from road level to the ticket concourse, the BTS must be one of the least user-friendly mass transit system in the world.

[Craig1234]

Tell me about it, it's an absolute joke. I guess they didn't think it through.

More line = more people - you would think the next logical thing would be to put more trains, but, no!

Welcome to Thailand!

[spermwhale]

Wow. How about making a call to the operators of the BTS line for some real news. That would have been a smart idea for a "freelance writer."

Here are opportune parts where he could have sought comment from BTS operators:

as BTS has made no recent mention of it. WHY NOT CALL THEM and ASK WHY?

so BTS may be reluctant to expand their service. WHY NOT ASK THEM?

Perhaps they have plans but have not announced them. This article is just a rant.

Edited September 5, 2011 by spermwhale

[MaxYakov]

I guess it's less likely that I'll attempt going on BTS with my bike. It's more likely I'll bypass BTS altogether and bike-it all the way as I did the other day from Nana to Surasak and back to pick something up. It took longer, but I got the exercise, avoided the fare and the feeling of encroaching on walking BTS riders. Or should I say walking-wounded BTS riders?

It wouldn't surprise me if BTS forbade bikes, even foldables, in the future. MRT now allows only foldables ... or at least did. Even a foldable can use the space of a couple of walking passengers - depending on the sardine factor.

Edited September 5, 2011 by MaxYakov

[TCW]

Both the airport link and the BTS need more trains, and rush hour is now shocking. Well done to the writer of this article for bringing publicity to a subject many just accept.

Another irritant - the increasingly loud advertisements blaring away at commuters in all the train carriages. Annoying and intrusive.

[annilicious]

*complainer*

-my trip starts from Onnut to Plenchit, i would climb to the rooftop of the train if they allow, so that I can take the train right away it comes. and clock in ON TIME.

-the train driver drives like ''Khon Kab Tuk Tuk ''(bangkok tuk tuk driver). i feel like im in the rollercoaster everytime I take the train. life is full of dangerous! (( well, if it's about the track problem, i would not blame the driver)

*comparison*

anyone here experience subway and public transportation service in japan? IMO, they have good service even in rush hour and it way more convenience and safer.

[gkinbkk]

On the plus side it has become a nice Sunday drive down Sukhumvit Rd at 730am from the BangNa intersection through to Phra Kanong, sounds like driving is the better option.

BTW the new Ikea and Mega BangNa is another planning debacle in the works........

[Sateev]

Wow. How about making a call to the operators of the BTS line for some real news. That would have been a smart idea for a "freelance writer."

Here are opportune parts where he could have sought comment from BTS operators:

as BTS has made no recent mention of it. WHY NOT CALL THEM and ASK WHY?

so BTS may be reluctant to expand their service. WHY NOT ASK THEM?

Perhaps they have plans but have not announced them. This article is just a rant.

We'll wait, while you call them. Better bring a lunch.

Edited September 5, 2011 by Sateev

[mortenaa]

<br />I agree with everything the writer of the article has to say, and with all of the subsequent replies. But while we're on the subject, could something be done to make the purchasing of a BTS ticket more efficient? I feel like I'm in a casino slotting ridiculous amouts of coins just for a one-way pass. And no change machines? Again waiting in line to see a real person who doles out change? How about upgrading the ticket machines to accept 20,50 and 100 baht notes? That might make the ride experience a lot less frustrating. Thanks for reading.<img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/jap.gif" /><br />

You could always buy a BTS card (20 baht) and refill with lets say 200 baht, and you don't have that problem anymore... :S

Edited September 5, 2011 by mortenaa

[JohnAllan]

TiT! For technical problems, read CHEAP! Which is possibly why they are on the Silom line rather than the Sukhumvit one. MRT is eminently more efficient than BTS, but sadly, not always conveniently located. But BTS might already have extended trains in mind. Thai planning is paramount. After all, they took several decades of planning before building Suvarnabhumi, and they almost got it right.

But my concern is not the overcrowding per se. It is what happens when - not if - there is a major - or even a minor - incident on the track. Just how well trained and prepared are BTS staff? Do they actually receive ANY training in preparation for such an incident [accident]? Just how many injuries might be sustained or, heaven forbid, lives lost, while BTS was fiddling? Or are we expected to rest assured that it will never happen?

[JohnAllan]

<br />I agree with everything the writer of the article has to say, and with all of the subsequent replies. But while we're on the subject, could something be done to make the purchasing of a BTS ticket more efficient? I feel like I'm in a casino slotting ridiculous amouts of coins just for a one-way pass. And no change machines? Again waiting in line to see a real person who doles out change? How about upgrading the ticket machines to accept 20,50 and 100 baht notes? That might make the ride experience a lot less frustrating. Thanks for reading.<img src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/jap.gif" /><br />

You could always buy a BTS card (20 baht) and refill with lets 200 baht, and you don't have that problem anymore... :S

That doesn't address the absurdity of the system; and absurd it is, particularly when compared to the MRT. In fact, the machines cannot even take so-called new coins, by which they mean newly minted.

Besides which, stored-value tickets would be more attractive if they offered a discount.

Edited September 5, 2011 by JohnAllan

[OzMick]

It is quite possible that engineering limitations are the problem. Adding an extra idler car to a 3 car unit won't work if the motors don't provide enough torque to get a fully laden 4 car unit moving.

The stations are designed for a 6 car train (probably a double 3??) but they may have bought cheaper circuit breakers for the initial demand. While upgrading to higher amperage breakers with what are essentially plug-in units is fairly simple, finding the funding and/or motivation might not be.

[oevna]

The article is spot on.

Travelling by BTS is becoming more and more of nightmare and why they do not add more cars is beyond me. It can't be that much more expensive to run a train with 4 instead of 3 cars - a bit more maintenance cost but that should be about all.

Same reason you hear about boats capsizing that are way over maximum occupancy. The operators are not losing any money by packing more passengers on; they only stand to gain more money in ticket sales. Running more boats (or trains) would only be extra overhead for them.

[JohnAllan]

Wow. How about making a call to the operators of the BTS line for some real news. That would have been a smart idea for a "freelance writer."

Here are opportune parts where he could have sought comment from BTS operators:

as BTS has made no recent mention of it. WHY NOT CALL THEM and ASK WHY?

so BTS may be reluctant to expand their service. WHY NOT ASK THEM?

Perhaps they have plans but have not announced them. This article is just a rant.

I suppose that would depend on how much work he really wanted, and how much time he had, to sit on the end of a phone for thirty minutes while Thais on the other end try to decide which, if any of them, is qualified to give an answer. Before deciding none of them.

This is Thailand. Or hadn't you realised?

[LordPoona]

excellent prognosis..but did that in depth analysis take into consideration the tracks ability to handle longer carriages safely?

im not sure but some of the curves are quite sharp ..

increasing the frequency does seem like a no brainer though...else ..buy a scooter..

[lomatopo]

In hindsight it might have been better to charge fares for On-Nut <--> Bearing, rather than offering those stations for free until 1/1/12?

The BTS did have 23 3-car sets on the Sukhumvit Line, and now has the 12 3-car sets from the Silom line available for a total of 35 3-car sets on the Sukhumvit line. This increase in capacity, ~ 50%, would seem to have been able to address the increased ridership. But they may not be able to operate all 35 trains simultaneously; perhaps as a restriction of the signalling system, or just not enough "room" (track/interval/spacing) for all 35 sets.

The BTS have ordered 35 new cars from Siemens to increase all the Sukhumvit line trains to 4-car sets. Unfortunately those have a staggered delivery schedule stretching out into 2012, and perhaps beyond?