Tchiowa

True. Now imagine how bad in can get if they start subsidizing fares and double the passenger traffic.

BTS could become unusable for most of us.

BuildingMyBento

But then Singapore could learn a thing or two from HK.

For my past few visits, I was only in Singapore for a day or two, so every time I bought a ticket, I had to queue up to get the refund on the single-use ticket. The refunds all added up to buy a few kue at the airport, otherwise the total amount naturally didn't add up to much.

As for Bangkok, I've gotten used to taking buses because they go all over the place. Both airports, floating markets and they're the best way to explore new neighborhoods. Taxis are often sitting in the same traffic, and bus drivers/fare collectors don't pick fights either...

(Finally, I wish a pedestrian bridge was in the works for the Asok Junction intersection, but that's another story.)

EmailKid

Thanks for pitching in ^

Very long thread about this in United forum titled something like UA to discontinue NRT-BKK - now gone.

W is expensive enough, but having to fly Y for another 7 hours in coach on NH

whackyjacky

"(Finally, I wish a pedestrian bridge was in the works for the Asok Junction intersection, but that's another story.)" ?????? Where would you want it exactly ? Between going under & over you can get everywhere right now

BuildingMyBento

How about crossing to the southern side of Sukhumvit?

dsquared37

There are stairs leading down to both of the southern corners.

transpac

Airport Rail Link adds two trains from Suvarnabhumi to cope with surge in passengers

BANGKOK: -- The Airport Rail Link has added two trains to its late night service from Suvarnabhumi Airport to cope with the rise in passenger numbers.

Pakorn Tangjetsakao, acting CEO of SRT Electrified Train Company Limited, the operator of the system, revealed that the daily service has been extended past midnight.

The extra trains depart from the airport at 12:15 am and 12:35 am and travel non-stop to Phayathai Station.

Trains arrive at Phaya Thai at 12:30 AM and 12:50 AM. Effective from 1 March 2015.


http://www.srtet.co.th/internet/th/

Of course the BTS (station at Phaya Thai) will already be closed, so you'll need to schlep your bags down to the street level and arrange additional transport, or accommodations nearby.

The last BTS train from Phaya Thai in-bound (towards Bearing) leaves at 00:21, while the last outbound train (towards Mo Chit) leaves Phaya Thai at 00:31, according to the currently available schedule.

http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/pdf...eTimetable.pdf

dsquared37

And once taxis know there's a slew of pax in need of onward transpo at Phaya Thai the gouge will be large enough to justify simply taking a taxi from the airport.

Not something I have any desire to venture into.

BuildingMyBento

Walk a couple of blocks and the taxis will be none the wiser. Not difficult--travel lightly.

EmailKid

One time before UA stopped flying into BKK I manged to get to the train early enough to catch the last one, and while it took a few minutes, I was able to hail a taxi.

And yes, I do travel light

nkedel

I've at least once managed to do a very late ARL to BTS connection with the late JAL arrival. Nice if you one can time it -- BTS was very empty at that hour.

dsquared37

Walk a couple of blocks? Unlikely. Traveling light is sometimes not as easy as JJ Cale sings about.

After a series of difficulties getting a taxi at Phaya Thai later at night I've foregone the attempts since.

whackyjacky

I take ARL all the time, but late at night - never. Cabs are cheap and door to door. A lot of hassle to save a few bucks IMO.

EmailKid

Well,

as Budget Travel forum moderator I almost feel obligated to find the cheapest way to travel when I can.

So yes, I've been known to fly in Biz and then take public transport from the airport

Dr. HFH

I agree about not taking it at night. Not nearly enough of a time advantage at night for the 200 baht saved.