Airport Rail Link a model of failure: Thai editorial

Surprised that nobody mentioned the following ridiculous flaws:

1. the unbelievable distance that has to be walked with heavy luggage to get around the stations and especially to transfer to the BTS, for example

2. the idiotically small elevators which can accommodate only a couple people with luggage at a time

3. the idiotically small entry/exit turnstiles that have tourists stuck trying to move their luggage through

Along with some of the other things people have mentioned such as:

4. the far too narrow and carriages which cannot accommodate luggage

5. the problems with the train missing key population and transit centers

It it truly a complete failure in very typical Thai style. And, truly pathetic of them to be so removed from the global business community that they would not seek assistance from any number of dozens of countries (some in SEA, many across Asia proper and of course many in the West). Very, very typical Thainess.

Some of what you mention is spot on though perhaps slightly misdirected.

1. That "unbelievable distance" at Phaya Thai from the ARL to the BTS is perhaps 60-70m. That seems very manageable. Have you ever taken the wonderful Airport Express in Hong Kong, one of my favs in the world. The distance to transfer from the HK Express station to the Central MTR station via the underground link is around 700m! They do have some travelators to assist.

2. Yes these should be larger.

3. There are larger, wider turnstiles at the Airport station and Makkasan. Also, every entry/exit has a gate which can be opened similar to the BTS and MRT. I think that many pax with luggage just don't think to use the gate - I see that a lot on the MRT.

4. What is far too narrow? The train? Express carriages have space for luggage. Cityline does not because it is a commuter service. The main issue here is a the lack of rolling stock given the higher than expected demand. The trains either need to be longer (the 7, 5 car trains abou tot be tendered will be) or a more frequent service.

5. Not sure this concern is valid. The ARL had to be built on the existing right of way (read Eastern Railway line) and it was always planned to be extended to DMK Airport (which has been delayed 2 yrs now). Where would you suggest it should have been built?

I responded to a similar issue raised (post #85) and pointed out that the ARL will eventually connect with 10 metro/commuter lines - see the list at (6) in that post. It will basically connect with all lines in the future BKK network bar one (the Purple Line)!

Mismanagement and poor operations are all very valid points. However, they are not unique to Thailand. There are plenty of examples in the region. Be thankful that you don't live in HCM or Jakarta which have been discussing building metro lines (and an airport link) for well over a decade. Both cities just recently started work on their 1st metro lines.