A few updates on the ARL.

I asked someone at the SRT to check on the status on the refurbishment of the rolling stock - specifically the conversion of the 4 Express baggage cars for pax. There has also been some recent updates from the SRTET CEO in the Thai press.

1) New rolling stock
Although funds were approved 4 years ago to purchase 7 new 5 car sets of rolling stock (see my previous posts) a combination of internal delays and subsequent corruption allegations related to an intended purchase of Chinese rolling stock, meant that the process was suspended in late 2015.

For what it is worth, the SRTET CEO is stating that the order will be placed by the end of 2017. Given the normal 2 year delivery period we won't be seeing any new trains before early 2020!

2) PSDs:
The installation of Platfrom Screen Doors has become a priority after the death of a pregnant woman who fainted and fell onto the track 2 months ago.

The contractor will be selected next week with installation to commence ASAP. Expectation is all 7 stations will be completed by early next year.

3) Current 9 rolling stock refurbishment
The SRTET is refurbishing all of its current trains, especially the Express trains and converting seating and the baggage car for pax.

1 set has been completed, 1 is underway and all 9 sets should be done by Feb 2018.

Once done this will allow the frequency to be increased to every 8 mins during peak hours and allow for a capacity of 80k pax per day.

In summary by around March/April next year we should see;
1) PSDs on all station,
2) Refurbished trains - especially Express for greater capacity,
3) Increased frequency,
4) Hopefully, fingers crossed finally an order for new rolling stock.

Of course, by then the dodgy, cheap chinese rail will probably have fallen apart......but that's another issue!