Technical problem leaves Bangkok BTS in rush hour meltdown

[mca]

It'd be funny to see some of the haters on here trying to run the BTS. Judging by their posts most of them would have trouble running a bath.

[BeforeTigers]

Either an Orwellian overplay of their hand, or massively ill-timed coincidence.
Time will tell I suppose.

We'll know for sure when it happens twice.

[Patje]

Instead of protesting and walking now the people of Bkk can walk and protest

[MaxLee]

So, next question:

How did this happen?? And WHY did this happen????

Edited December 24, 2013 by Scott

[StreetCowboy]

It's unfortunate at a time when a lot of the specialist contractors' staff will be off on leave.

SC

Edited December 24, 2013 by StreetCowboy

[webfact]

BTS skytrain: All services suspended 1st time in 14 years, expected to resume at noon; commuters flock into MRT underground /MCOT

[WatUp]

Just be glad they shut the thing down for public safety and are getting it fixed correctly. I'm sure they're not thrilled about the missed revenue but it beats rushing it or chancing it and having a train derail. Better to investigate why it broke instead of why there was a collision.

[BKKdreaming]

Amazing how many people are walking today on sukhumvit , traffic is backed up both directions ,

I thing its the flip flop makers who did this !

but the motorcycle taxi guys are having the best day ever

[stbkk]

I guess its not unreasonable to expect breakdowns to any mass transport system sometimes.

But a total system failure for this length of time would seem to be more than a slight glitch?

I'm not familiar with comparable systems in the region, Singapore/Malaysia etc., have they had anything similar?

[whybother]

They should suspend dividends until they can supply a reliable service then!

Why would they punish the investors because of a system malfunction?

[PaullyW]

Anytime there is two drops of rain in NYC the subways get messed up. but at least there are alternatives there.

How many pax use the NYC system vs Thai BTS?

How old are the respective systems?

How extensive are the respective systems?

Please don't compare the BTS issues to those in nyc. NYC is constantly under real threat of terrorism, for example.

Can you imagine the Thais being able to thwart any would be terrorists? Not likely.

It's their first break down in 14 years of service. Even in Singapore, their MRT has broken down a few times this year for hours. Things like this happen, don't have to go into the 'Thailand sucks' rant.

Yes, I agree with that, BUT, I think what posters tend to forget is that the voiced displeasure of posters (like me) is not comprised of merely one facet of the issue. Rarely do people isolate issues that carefully and argue them individually. That's not the goal of the rants, anyway.

The BTS is a joke of a system.

The stations are designed without any focus on efficiency? I mean, ticket booths in the middle where people must cue to go into the system? Dumb. Criss-crossing traffic to enter and exit -- dumb. A complete lack of traffic engineering.

Signage lacking and improperly placed. For instance, you ever try to see what station you're at once the doors open? Often, it's not possible. That's dumb.

Capacity planning? Nope. Often, across several stations, there is not even enough room to get onto the platform. People tripping over each other getting off the world's slowest escalators.

Trains long enough? No - again capacity planning.

Enough places to hold oneself up (such as near where pax sit)? No. That's dumb.

What about these new station guard systems their putting online? How long does it take? But, they got wasteful TVs in each of them on both sides! Dumb.

What about the fact that by now there should have been 12 (TWELVE), not 2 (TWO), lines criss-crossing this unnavigable city. What happened? Corruption. That's pathetic.

So, before you attempt to be positive about the BTS, please take into account how much of a failure it is to live up to world class standards DESPITE being fairly new. Certainly not over a century old as some systems are.

EDIT:

Not to mention the food vendors and other exhibits and nonsense they have constantly clogging up the little bit of ill-designed space there. It's not only incredibly dumb, but dangerous.

Edited December 24, 2013 by PaullyW

[Scott]

Off-topic posts and replies deleted. Please stay on topic. You may speculate, whinge, moan, groan and conspire after it is up and running.

Right now, people need information about the system and nonsense is not helpful.

[webfact]

BTS Skytrain announces service resumption after technical glitch in control system disrupting services across the whole system for first time in 14 years /MCOT

[Local Drunk]

Anytime there is two drops of rain in NYC the subways get messed up. but at least there are alternatives there.

How many pax use the NYC system vs Thai BTS?

How old are the respective systems?

How extensive are the respective systems?

Please don't compare the BTS issues to those in nyc. NYC is constantly under real threat of terrorism, for example.

Can you imagine the Thais being able to thwart any would be terrorists? Not likely.

It's their first break down in 14 years of service. Even in Singapore, their MRT has broken down a few times this year for hours. Things like this happen, don't have to go into the 'Thailand sucks' rant.

While that is true in respect of a system-wide failure, it is not uncommon to see faults with single trains. At Siam the other day, the doors closed without warning as passengers were getting on, did not release as people were caught in the doors and it took about 60 seconds for a manual release to be initiated. A number of elderly people were quite distressed by it. I've seen that happen a few times.

The system is pretty good but there will have to be an overhaul/rethink of ticketing system...at peak hour it is beyond chaotic and usage cannot grow, as it should, until the very silly ticket machines are replaced ( or in the alternative, sell tickets at 7-11 and elsewhere).

My tip is that if you don't use the Sky Train often, make sure you take enough change for a two way trip to avoid waiting in the change queue, then buy two passes at your point of departure which means you only have to queue for the ticket line once. If you're a tourist, buy a pass. It'll make your vacation go a lot easier even if you don't use all the rides. Money well spent in my opinion.

Edited December 24, 2013 by Local Drunk

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

BTS skytrain: All services suspended 1st time in 14 years, expected to resume at noon; commuters flock into MRT underground /MCOT

Of course, all transit systems have periodic glitches. But this above is, I think, the most pertinent fact:

I don't believe, ever before in the history of the BTS, has there been a full systemwide shutdown for this duration of time. That makes it a pretty big deal.

I like the way the various Thai news reports above talk about the service being "disrupted." The entirety of a two line rail system being taken down is "disrupted"??? How about "halted," "canceled," "shut down."

But more distressingly, although BTS apparently knew about the problem in the early morning/overnight hours, it seems they did little to give much/any advance warning to travelers who would start arriving at their stations when they opened at 6 am and beyond.

But, glad that they're back online now...

BTS Skytrain announces service resumption after technical glitch in control system disrupting services across the whole system for first time in 14 years /MCOT

Edited December 24, 2013 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[StreetCowboy]

I think the BTS is a great system. They don't try to do anything fancy, they've extended their lines, added trains, extended their trains, added new ticket machines, identified new sources of revenue with their on-train and on-platform displays... One of it's biggest problems is its popularity, but they try to mitigate that with their pricing structure. I'm slightly surprised that there have not been more accidents on the platforms at Siam. Are they adding more escalators there? It's good the way they've managed to achieve cross-platform interchange to minimise the changing of levels, but it's still a very crowded station.

If I was that bothered about their ticketing system, I'd have a stored-value card.

It'll be interesting to see what the problem was, though I doubt they will share much detail.

SC

[FangFerang]

Maybe if the owners of the BTS, yes it is privately owned by one of the richest and corrupt families in Thailand, hadn't not been so busy milking money from investors with their infrastructurefund and other financiel instruments, and spent a little on maintance, this would not have happened??

Complete rubbish!

I am an investor with a million shares in BTS.

1. I have not been "milked" of my money

2. I have made 300%+ profit in 3 years

3. I have dividends of 7% on top of the profit on sale of shares in BTS.

4. I have seen their workshops and maintenance system, I see no problem.

5. The problem is with the use of radio communication system to control the trains

Thanks for the investment tip.

[lostmebike]

I bet the traffic is horrendous. Staying at home might be the best option today.

[webfact]

BTS
Skytrains' services resume
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Services of the skytrains that broke down this morning resumed at 11am.

Earlier it was expected to resume this afternoon. Anat Apapirom, advisor to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Company said the computerized controlling and navigation systems of both Sukhumvit and Silom routes broke down at about 3am. The malfunction was the first time in 14 years, he said.

"Our experts and engineers are doing with best efforts to fix the errors and problems. The repairs will take about half day, so the services will resume this afternoon," he said.

BTS officials were seen informing people about the problems at foot of the stairs under the stations. They suggested people to use other public transportation.

At many stations, bus stops were crowded with people heading to offices.


-- The Nation 2013-12-24

[BKKdreaming]

its not perfect , but you saw this morning what the city would be like without it

[AlphMichaels]

Almost noon and still not a single train has streamed by in my view from Soi 10. But the motor taxi stands are empty. Good for them!!! Bit of a Merry Christmas present for some hard working folks.

[PaullyW]

TVGerry

Thank goodness there are some (likely) younger guys among us who haven't completely given up on the world yet. It's quite natural for us to sort of stop caring as we age. Our perspective often changes.

In a competitive world, where things are harshly criticised, I fear the BTS has immense room for improvement. I also do agree with BKKdreaming that the city would be far worse without the BTS. So, on balance, it's a helpful system, no doubt. But, that doesn't mean it's a truly 'good' system.

By the way, the act of isolating individual issues and not linking them or discussing them more broadly in the larger context of the systems they operate in is a very common trait among people here in Thailand and it is one of the reasons things are so very messed up here.

[smutcakes]

Maybe the protesters cut the power line or hacked the Computer system

First reply and we have red shirt bs rhetocric already. This is getting out of hand ! Care to offer a reason why you think they would do such a thing mr. red troll ?

You moron, he is a yellow shirt troll trying to be droll, and failing on all counts.

[TVGerry]

TVGerry

Thank goodness there are some (likely) younger guys among us who haven't completely given up on the world yet. It's quite natural for us to sort of stop caring as we age. Our perspective often changes.

In a competitive world, where things are harshly criticised, I fear the BTS has immense room for improvement. I also do agree with BKKdreaming that the city would be far worse without the BTS. So, on balance, it's a helpful system, no doubt. But, that doesn't mean it's a truly 'good' system.

By the way, the act of isolating individual issues and not linking them or discussing them more broadly in the larger context of the systems they operate in is a very common trait among people here in Thailand and it is one of the reasons things are so very messed up here.

No system is perfect but before you start criticizing the BTS here, do a comparison with other countries. I worked in Singapore a few years and comparatively, the BTS here is so much better. Don't take my word for it, Google it and see what Singaporeans say about their MRT system compared to the BTS here.

This country has all sorts of problems but not everything here sucks as compared to other countries.

[ttthailand]

They opened the BTS but now 12:15 and I have been waiting for 20 minutes and not seen a train run either direction. Must be 300 people waiting to get on at Thong Lo.

[elzach]

TVGerry

Thank goodness there are some (likely) younger guys among us who haven't completely given up on the world yet. It's quite natural for us to sort of stop caring as we age. Our perspective often changes.

In a competitive world, where things are harshly criticised, I fear the BTS has immense room for improvement. I also do agree with BKKdreaming that the city would be far worse without the BTS. So, on balance, it's a helpful system, no doubt. But, that doesn't mean it's a truly 'good' system.

By the way, the act of isolating individual issues and not linking them or discussing them more broadly in the larger context of the systems they operate in is a very common trait among people here in Thailand and it is one of the reasons things are so very messed up here.

No system is perfect but before you start criticizing the BTS here, do a comparison with other countries. I worked in Singapore a few years and comparatively, the BTS here is so much better. Don't take my word for it, Google it and see what Singaporeans say about their MRT system compared to the BTS here.

This country has all sorts of problems but not everything here sucks as compared to other countries.

Are you serious? I'm not going to compare it to Singapore's, I'm gonna use a comparable country and city, let's compare it to KL's LRT: 8 lines and counting, taking you anywhere from 15km to 40km from the center (KLCC).

Here it can take you to Chatuchak or 1 km past the river.

In any event, the combo BTS/MRT here is not bad, as long as there are no glitches like this.

[ChrisY1]

Did you take your medication this morning?.......Calm down....things will be fine

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[StreetCowboy]

 

TVGerry

Thank goodness there are some (likely) younger guys among us who haven't completely given up on the world yet. It's quite natural for us to sort of stop caring as we age. Our perspective often changes.

In a competitive world, where things are harshly criticised, I fear the BTS has immense room for improvement. I also do agree with BKKdreaming that the city would be far worse without the BTS. So, on balance, it's a helpful system, no doubt. But, that doesn't mean it's a truly 'good' system.

By the way, the act of isolating individual issues and not linking them or discussing them more broadly in the larger context of the systems they operate in is a very common trait among people here in Thailand and it is one of the reasons things are so very messed up here.

No system is perfect but before you start criticizing the BTS here, do a comparison with other countries. I worked in Singapore a few years and comparatively, the BTS here is so much better. Don't take my word for it, Google it and see what Singaporeans say about their MRT system compared to the BTS here.

This country has all sorts of problems but not everything here sucks as compared to other countries.

Are you serious? I'm not going to compare it to Singapore's, I'm gonna use a comparable country and city, let's compare it to KL's LRT: 8 lines and counting, taking you anywhere from 15km to 40km from the center (KLCC).

Here it can take you to Chatuchak or 1 km past the river.

In any event, the combo BTS/MRT here is not bad, as long as there are no glitches like this.

 

Eight?

There's the two LRTs : Bangkok has the two BTS lines, plus the MRT

The Airport Express Line : The Airport Express Line

KTM Commuter : SRT Commuter

Intercity : Intercity

The Monorail : BRT

I'm still two short...

[rametindallas]

RT @RichardBarrow: 8:15am - RT @knowmorepor: BTS executive gave an interview said it is caused by radio transmitters failure in signaling system.

Should read transmitters are being jammed causing a failure in the signalling system.

Actual problem is that the trains are not controlled by the drivers, but from the Morchit control room via WIFI. The system suffers occasionally due

to the jamming of its signal by local radio transmissions such as radio stations and taxis straying near BTS's wavelength. In the past these outages have been only a matter of minutes after momentary loss of communication while the computer recalculates where all the trains are located on the system. Control by WIFI is not a good system to use in Bangkok where there is less control on the airwaves.

Radio communications used by the demonstrators and/or press/TV could jam the BTS communication systems, if they stray on to the same wavelength.

The problem is easily fixed by doing what militarys do. They change frequencies rapidly, in a controlled way, making it nearly impossible to jam or tap in to/hack

[Costas2008]

Estrada, on 24 Dec 2013 - 09:05, said:

Maybe if the owners of the BTS, yes it is privately owned by one of the richest and corrupt families in Thailand, hadn't not been so busy milking money from investors with their infrastructurefund and other financiel instruments, and spent a little on maintance, this would not have happened??

Complete rubbish!

I am an investor with a million shares in BTS.

1. I have not been "milked" of my money

2. I have made 300%+ profit in 3 years

3. I have dividends of 7% on top of the profit on sale of shares in BTS.

4. I have seen their workshops and maintenance system, I see no problem.

5. The problem is with the use of radio communication system to control the trains

Can I be your friend?