Originally Posted by
Dr. HFH
I don't think that this is a fair criticism. Most airport rail links (e.g., BOS, ORD, DFW, SFO, HKG) can get you to the central rail terminus fairly easily, but then you're at the mercy of the rest of the system. Bangkok's rail systems aren't all encompassing anyway, so that isn't really anything new. That's actually the real problem. It's inconvenient to get to the MO by public transportation, for example, regardless of where you start. The ARL doesn't make it any worse. And the airport is relatively far from the city center.
There is no doubt that the SRTET doesn't run the ARL as well as it should - part of the wider problem of the SRT and financial constraints with how their financial model has been established by MoF - it is very similar to both the BTSC and BMCL not being able to purchase new rolling stock in time due to being heavily indebted and paying off loans (in the BMCL case they are still not able to purchase new rolling stock even though there is significant peak hr overcrowding on the MRT)
However, the ARL is too successful is some respects with over 50k using it a day on average. It is so popular that overcrowding has been a major problem for the last 2 years. Nearly, 2 years ago the MOT allocated funds to purchase 7 new 4 car sets of rolling stock. (Still to be ordered). The big mistake in the original business plan was the emphasis from day one on the Express (using the HK Airport Express as a model). The reality was always going to be that the Express would have limited pax (the two Express services have never had more than 5k pax a day) and that the emphasis should have been more on the Cityline. (instead of the 5 Cityline, 4 Express train mix it should have been perhaps 7 Cityline and 3 Express)
The always planned link to DMK was advanced timeframe wise once the previous govt implemented the 2 airport policy in April 2012. Though the previous Transport Minister stated that the ext was a priority and would start in 2013 it became a victim of the 7 month political turmoil. However, the NCPO has said that they will fund it and it should start work on it by early next year (all going well). That would mean a 2019 opening which is actually what the original timeframe envisaged
The Makkasan Terminal (CAT) often gets derided for being too big and a waste. Some criticism is valid - especially on the CAT check in. However, most people don't see the long term picture with the Makkasan railyard redevelopment building an mini city and the fact that the future Eastern High Speed line will use it as a terminus. In 10-20 years the Terminal will be surrounded by offices, a convention center, retail and condos all linked by a loop monorail. So the size is appropriate for future needs.