Bangkok's Metro network - expansion plans & updates
Feb 7, 2014, 1:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
Bangkok's Metro network - expansion plans & updates
I've been updating for a number of years elsewhere on Bangkok's metro network. It seems that it might be useful to do it here for those that may be interested.....it may not help much for this journey but for those that live here or those that plan to visit again it might provide some insight into the future.
First, a written overview with what to be last year, the current situation and what is planned for this year.
Second, will be the updated summary list of all new planned lines and exts.
Thirdly, will be the maps. That helps the confusion for those that don't know Bangkok so well - and the city is confusing for many at the best of times!
First, a written overview with what to be last year, the current situation and what is planned for this year.
Second, will be the updated summary list of all new planned lines and exts.
Thirdly, will be the maps. That helps the confusion for those that don't know Bangkok so well - and the city is confusing for many at the best of times!
Feb 7, 2014, 1:30 am
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
An overview
A year ago it seemed that 2013 would be a seminal year for the expansion of the Bangkok metro system. The expectation was that at least 3 lines would be tendered and the glut of construction would continue in 2014 with 2 more. A year ago, one would have anticipated that by early 2014 Bangkok would have 7 new lines or exts under construction – most likely with motorists all complaining!
What a difference a year can make.
The political dysfunction continues to derail mass transit policy implementation
Alas, the last few months of political impasse and struggle had an immediate in delaying the Pink and Orange lines by 1 year – though both were perhaps not as ready as the MRTA had pretended.
Belatedly, the MRTA realised that they needed to select the rolling stock for the Pink line, and Yellow Line, prior to the final design and tender. In relation to the Orange line which really is a key line given the central east west axis to link all other lines (8 lines in all) that it provides, local community protests regarding the acquisition of land resulted in amended station footprint designs – mostly in relation to parking spaces.
The dissolution of parliament meant that the 2.2 trillion funding bill lapsed and thus funding for some lines is uncertain. In the context of the current political struggle that seems meaningless. It was announced that the BMCL – operating of the Blue Line subway – had won the tender to operate the Purple Line. Soon after, a 2 year delay from 2015 to 2017 in opening the line was announced. Primarily, it appears due to the BMCL not having funds to open the line earlier. For the first time in BKK, a Japanese train manufacturer will supply rolling stock after the BMCL contracted them to supply 21 4 car sets for the Purple Line.
The ARL extension from Phaya Thai to DMK via Bang Sue was a priority according to the Minister in mid 2012 given the need to provide a mass transit link between both airports. It was guaranteed to be tendered in 2013 but has subsequently quietly disappeared of the agenda.
The final 2 stations of the BTS Light Green line to Bang Wah were opened a year later than scheduled on 5 Dec. This meant that the last ext of the Silom line has been completed and gave the long suffering commuters along the Phetkasem corridor a quick semi-direct route into inner Bangkok. However, soon after the BMA announced that they were considering extending this line further north by 7km to Taling Chan thus linking with the SRT Light Red line – currently under evaluation. (Some informed conjecture that this will be the catalyst for eventually extending it further to become a large BTS loop line but let’s see if this extension gets built first).
As with much of the history of mass transit in BKK 2013 was a year of 1 step forward, 3 steps back!
The one glimmer of good news – BTS Mo Chit ext gets tendered ...heard that before?
The only line that we can be seemingly certain will progress this year is the BTS Dark Green ext from Mo Chit to Lam Lukka with the tender documents released in Jan. For those living along the highly congested Phahonyothin corridor this was finally good news. It is worth remembering that the ext was originally envisaged to open by 2008 when the BTS first opened in 1999 (later promised again in the 2005 election). It is the only line to be tendered under this current government.
Every year since 2007, announcements were made that this ext would be tendered the following year. Every year!!! I could posts pages of quotes from politicians and senior decision makers. For those waiting for this ext to get started the wait has literally been painful if you endure Phahonyothin rd on a daily basis.
The crystal ball – minimalist approach, gradual expansion
The Purple and Blue Line construction timetables are well advanced and on time. The delay to 2017 in opening the Purple line is perplexing and hopefully may change. The BTS Dark Green ext from Bearing is also proceeding on schedule.
The SRT Dark Red line (technically a suburban not metro line) finally started work after a 2 year delay. The demolition of the Hopewell pillars offer s both a practical and uniquely symbolic expression of progression even if the demolition is taking longer than scheduled.
The Purple Line south extension has progressed significantly and is planned to be tendered in 2015 along with the BMA Grey Line.
The pessimist – don’t hold your breath
The pessimistic view is that the political struggle and dysfunction continues for a longer period of time such that the expected 2013 tenders for 3 lines currently delayed to 2014 are further delayed into 2015 or even 2016! Thus, the next batch of lines thereafter are similarly are delayed. Basically, the next phase of lines & exts don’t get under way for 3-5 years.
2016 should have been a key year with the Purple Line, Blue Line, SRT Dark Red line and BTS Dark Green ext south all opening. Finally, creating a basic network covering much of the geographic area of Bangkok – save for the north east and south west corridors. However, with the Purple Line delayed until 2017 and the Dark Red line looking to take longer to build it may be that half of the expected openings occur in 2016.
The 2013 tenders (Pink, Orange & ARL ext) delayed to late 2014 are important to provide links between lines and expansion to other areas. This would have consolidated the Bangkok network by 2019.
What a difference a year can make.
The political dysfunction continues to derail mass transit policy implementation
Alas, the last few months of political impasse and struggle had an immediate in delaying the Pink and Orange lines by 1 year – though both were perhaps not as ready as the MRTA had pretended.
Belatedly, the MRTA realised that they needed to select the rolling stock for the Pink line, and Yellow Line, prior to the final design and tender. In relation to the Orange line which really is a key line given the central east west axis to link all other lines (8 lines in all) that it provides, local community protests regarding the acquisition of land resulted in amended station footprint designs – mostly in relation to parking spaces.
The dissolution of parliament meant that the 2.2 trillion funding bill lapsed and thus funding for some lines is uncertain. In the context of the current political struggle that seems meaningless. It was announced that the BMCL – operating of the Blue Line subway – had won the tender to operate the Purple Line. Soon after, a 2 year delay from 2015 to 2017 in opening the line was announced. Primarily, it appears due to the BMCL not having funds to open the line earlier. For the first time in BKK, a Japanese train manufacturer will supply rolling stock after the BMCL contracted them to supply 21 4 car sets for the Purple Line.
The ARL extension from Phaya Thai to DMK via Bang Sue was a priority according to the Minister in mid 2012 given the need to provide a mass transit link between both airports. It was guaranteed to be tendered in 2013 but has subsequently quietly disappeared of the agenda.
The final 2 stations of the BTS Light Green line to Bang Wah were opened a year later than scheduled on 5 Dec. This meant that the last ext of the Silom line has been completed and gave the long suffering commuters along the Phetkasem corridor a quick semi-direct route into inner Bangkok. However, soon after the BMA announced that they were considering extending this line further north by 7km to Taling Chan thus linking with the SRT Light Red line – currently under evaluation. (Some informed conjecture that this will be the catalyst for eventually extending it further to become a large BTS loop line but let’s see if this extension gets built first).
As with much of the history of mass transit in BKK 2013 was a year of 1 step forward, 3 steps back!
The one glimmer of good news – BTS Mo Chit ext gets tendered ...heard that before?
The only line that we can be seemingly certain will progress this year is the BTS Dark Green ext from Mo Chit to Lam Lukka with the tender documents released in Jan. For those living along the highly congested Phahonyothin corridor this was finally good news. It is worth remembering that the ext was originally envisaged to open by 2008 when the BTS first opened in 1999 (later promised again in the 2005 election). It is the only line to be tendered under this current government.
Every year since 2007, announcements were made that this ext would be tendered the following year. Every year!!! I could posts pages of quotes from politicians and senior decision makers. For those waiting for this ext to get started the wait has literally been painful if you endure Phahonyothin rd on a daily basis.
The crystal ball – minimalist approach, gradual expansion
The Purple and Blue Line construction timetables are well advanced and on time. The delay to 2017 in opening the Purple line is perplexing and hopefully may change. The BTS Dark Green ext from Bearing is also proceeding on schedule.
The SRT Dark Red line (technically a suburban not metro line) finally started work after a 2 year delay. The demolition of the Hopewell pillars offer s both a practical and uniquely symbolic expression of progression even if the demolition is taking longer than scheduled.
The Purple Line south extension has progressed significantly and is planned to be tendered in 2015 along with the BMA Grey Line.
The pessimist – don’t hold your breath
The pessimistic view is that the political struggle and dysfunction continues for a longer period of time such that the expected 2013 tenders for 3 lines currently delayed to 2014 are further delayed into 2015 or even 2016! Thus, the next batch of lines thereafter are similarly are delayed. Basically, the next phase of lines & exts don’t get under way for 3-5 years.
2016 should have been a key year with the Purple Line, Blue Line, SRT Dark Red line and BTS Dark Green ext south all opening. Finally, creating a basic network covering much of the geographic area of Bangkok – save for the north east and south west corridors. However, with the Purple Line delayed until 2017 and the Dark Red line looking to take longer to build it may be that half of the expected openings occur in 2016.
The 2013 tenders (Pink, Orange & ARL ext) delayed to late 2014 are important to provide links between lines and expansion to other areas. This would have consolidated the Bangkok network by 2019.
Feb 7, 2014, 1:43 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
The summary list of planned new lines/exts
This is only a summary and subject to change. Plans will change, dates are never met when it comes to mass transit implementation, politics and dysfunction abounds in this policy area.
Note that numbers indicate projects NOT lines and is reflective of stages of expansion. A listing could be a 1.2km ext or a 59km ext!
Feel free to ask any queries which you may have. Please don't copy the whole summary list in any post!
A) RECENTLY OPENED
1) BTS Light Green Line (Silom line) from Talat Phlu (S10) to Bang Wah 2.8km, 2 stations (5 Dec 2013)
B) LINES/EXTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
2) MRTA Blue Line ext from Bang Sue to Taopoon: 1.2km, 1 station
(to open in 2015)
3) MRTA Purple Line from Taopoon to Bang Yai: 23km, 16 stations (Opening 2017)
As at end of 2013 civil works construction were 85%complete.
Website: http://www.mrta-purpleline.com
4) MRTA Blue Line ring ext (subway) and Bang Khae/Phetkasem rd ext
(Opening late 2016/2017 – civil works progress 46%)
a) Bang Sue - Tha Phra, 13.1 km, 7 elevated stations,
b ) Hua Lamphong - Lak Song, 13.9 km , 7 elevated & 4 underground stations.
Website: http://www.mrta-blueline.com/
5) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line) Bearing to Paknam ext (MRTA): 12.6km, 7 stations (Work started mid 2012, opens 2016)
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
6) SRT Dark Red Line suburban line from Bang Sue to Rangsit: 26km, 8 stations* (Started March 2013, opens 2016/17).
*SRT Dark Red Line is metre gauge, electric.
7) New Intercity terminal at Bang Sue for all N, NE and S SRT intercity trains, Airport Line extension and both SRT Red Lines. (Construction started May, opening 2017?)
C) LINES CURRENTLY UNDER TENDER
8) BTS Dark Green line (northern ext)
(Original completion date was 2008!).
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations,
b) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
Tender by April with contracts to be signed in October.
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
D) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2014?
9) MRTA Orange Line: 36km, 29 stations (22 underground, 7 elevated) - . Phase 1 TCC (current Thai Cultural Center station) to Minburi (tender end of 2014, Open 2019).
Website: http://www.mrta-orangeline.net/
10) MRTA Pink Line (monorail): Khae Rai intersection to Miniburi via Pakred, Chaeng Wattana & Ram Inthra 36km, 26 stations. (should be heavy rail). http://www.mrta.co.th/pinkline/index.html
11) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail): 30.4km, 21 stations. Phase 1 Latphrao to Hua Mark.http://www.mrta-yellowline.com/
12) Airport Rail Link (ARL) extension from Phayathai to Bangsue to Don Meaung (DMK): 21.8km, 5 stations
E) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2015?
13) Purple Line ext south. Taopoon to WWY then to Ratburna: 23.6 km. 17 stations (12.6km 10 stations underground, 11km 7 stations elevated)
14) SRT Light Red line extension: Taling Chan to Salaya, 12km, 5 stations*Note: SRT Light Red is metre gauge, diesel.
15) MRTA Grey Monorail Line: 26km, 21 stations. Rama 9 Bridge to Kaset-Nawamin/Ram Inthra. (BMA is completing an EIA)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Grey_Line
F) NEXT BATCH OF LINES/EXTs (2016-2019)
16) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail) Phase 2: 30.4km, 21 stations. Phase 2 Hua Mark to Samrong.
17) Orange Line Phase 2, west section: From TCC to Bang Khunnon (Charan Sawitwong rd)
18) SRT Dark Red Line north ext suburban line from Rangsit to Thammasat Uni: 8.5kms, 4 stations (2015-2017)
19) SRT Light Red Line spur line from Taling Chan to Thonburi station (Siraj) – duplicates some of the Orange line so it would more sensible to just extend the Orange line to Taling Chan.
20) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
21) Blue Line west ext to Phutthamonthon sai 4: 8km, 4 stations
22) SRT Dark Red Line south ext: 59 km, 22 stations
a) Bang Sue to Hualumphong to Wong Wian Yai, 7 stations
b) WWY to Mahachai, 15 stations
G) THEREAFTER OR UNDER STUDY (2020 >)
23) Brown Monorail Line: 20.5km, 21 stations. Monorail Khae Rai intersection along Ngam Wong Wan, Kaset-Namawin to Beung Kum, Minburi (currently under study by OTP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Brown_Line
24) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line south from Paknam to Bang Pu: 4 stations (planned)
25) BTS Light Green (Silom) line from Bang Wah to Taling Chan: 7km, 6 stations (currently being evaluated by the BMA)
26) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line north ext: from Kukot to Outer Ring rd, 4 stations (planned)
27) MRTA Purple Line north ext : 4.5km ext to Sai Noi intersection (being evaluated).
28) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) spur line from Udom Suk to Central Bang Na & BKK Airport (planned)
29) MRTA Light Blue Line: 9.5km, 9 stations. Monorail. Sathon to Pracha Songkhro. (TBC)
H) More future monorails?
30) Bang Sue Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
31) Makkasan Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
32) Chula Uni Monorail project (under study, yet again)
33) Samut Prakhan monorail line: Paknam to BKK Airport (Under study)
Note that numbers indicate projects NOT lines and is reflective of stages of expansion. A listing could be a 1.2km ext or a 59km ext!
Feel free to ask any queries which you may have. Please don't copy the whole summary list in any post!
Bangkok Metro/Suburban Network - Summary List
A) RECENTLY OPENED
1) BTS Light Green Line (Silom line) from Talat Phlu (S10) to Bang Wah 2.8km, 2 stations (5 Dec 2013)
B) LINES/EXTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION
2) MRTA Blue Line ext from Bang Sue to Taopoon: 1.2km, 1 station
(to open in 2015)
3) MRTA Purple Line from Taopoon to Bang Yai: 23km, 16 stations (Opening 2017)
As at end of 2013 civil works construction were 85%complete.
Website: http://www.mrta-purpleline.com
4) MRTA Blue Line ring ext (subway) and Bang Khae/Phetkasem rd ext
(Opening late 2016/2017 – civil works progress 46%)
a) Bang Sue - Tha Phra, 13.1 km, 7 elevated stations,
b ) Hua Lamphong - Lak Song, 13.9 km , 7 elevated & 4 underground stations.
Website: http://www.mrta-blueline.com/
5) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line) Bearing to Paknam ext (MRTA): 12.6km, 7 stations (Work started mid 2012, opens 2016)
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
6) SRT Dark Red Line suburban line from Bang Sue to Rangsit: 26km, 8 stations* (Started March 2013, opens 2016/17).
*SRT Dark Red Line is metre gauge, electric.
7) New Intercity terminal at Bang Sue for all N, NE and S SRT intercity trains, Airport Line extension and both SRT Red Lines. (Construction started May, opening 2017?)
C) LINES CURRENTLY UNDER TENDER
8) BTS Dark Green line (northern ext)
(Original completion date was 2008!).
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations,
b) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
Tender by April with contracts to be signed in October.
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
D) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2014?
9) MRTA Orange Line: 36km, 29 stations (22 underground, 7 elevated) - . Phase 1 TCC (current Thai Cultural Center station) to Minburi (tender end of 2014, Open 2019).
Website: http://www.mrta-orangeline.net/
10) MRTA Pink Line (monorail): Khae Rai intersection to Miniburi via Pakred, Chaeng Wattana & Ram Inthra 36km, 26 stations. (should be heavy rail). http://www.mrta.co.th/pinkline/index.html
11) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail): 30.4km, 21 stations. Phase 1 Latphrao to Hua Mark.http://www.mrta-yellowline.com/
12) Airport Rail Link (ARL) extension from Phayathai to Bangsue to Don Meaung (DMK): 21.8km, 5 stations
E) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2015?
13) Purple Line ext south. Taopoon to WWY then to Ratburna: 23.6 km. 17 stations (12.6km 10 stations underground, 11km 7 stations elevated)
14) SRT Light Red line extension: Taling Chan to Salaya, 12km, 5 stations*Note: SRT Light Red is metre gauge, diesel.
15) MRTA Grey Monorail Line: 26km, 21 stations. Rama 9 Bridge to Kaset-Nawamin/Ram Inthra. (BMA is completing an EIA)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Grey_Line
F) NEXT BATCH OF LINES/EXTs (2016-2019)
16) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail) Phase 2: 30.4km, 21 stations. Phase 2 Hua Mark to Samrong.
17) Orange Line Phase 2, west section: From TCC to Bang Khunnon (Charan Sawitwong rd)
18) SRT Dark Red Line north ext suburban line from Rangsit to Thammasat Uni: 8.5kms, 4 stations (2015-2017)
19) SRT Light Red Line spur line from Taling Chan to Thonburi station (Siraj) – duplicates some of the Orange line so it would more sensible to just extend the Orange line to Taling Chan.
20) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
21) Blue Line west ext to Phutthamonthon sai 4: 8km, 4 stations
22) SRT Dark Red Line south ext: 59 km, 22 stations
a) Bang Sue to Hualumphong to Wong Wian Yai, 7 stations
b) WWY to Mahachai, 15 stations
G) THEREAFTER OR UNDER STUDY (2020 >)
23) Brown Monorail Line: 20.5km, 21 stations. Monorail Khae Rai intersection along Ngam Wong Wan, Kaset-Namawin to Beung Kum, Minburi (currently under study by OTP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Brown_Line
24) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line south from Paknam to Bang Pu: 4 stations (planned)
25) BTS Light Green (Silom) line from Bang Wah to Taling Chan: 7km, 6 stations (currently being evaluated by the BMA)
26) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line north ext: from Kukot to Outer Ring rd, 4 stations (planned)
27) MRTA Purple Line north ext : 4.5km ext to Sai Noi intersection (being evaluated).
28) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) spur line from Udom Suk to Central Bang Na & BKK Airport (planned)
29) MRTA Light Blue Line: 9.5km, 9 stations. Monorail. Sathon to Pracha Songkhro. (TBC)
H) More future monorails?
30) Bang Sue Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
31) Makkasan Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
32) Chula Uni Monorail project (under study, yet again)
33) Samut Prakhan monorail line: Paknam to BKK Airport (Under study)
Feb 7, 2014, 2:12 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
The maps
The maps are large so don't copy if you have a query pls. Hopefully, they provide geographic clarity.
This is the current network to give you an idea of change;
http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx
The urban rail site gives a clear sense of what lines are currently being constructed as per (B) in the above list (though the SRT Dark Red line is not included as it is technically a suburban line);
This is the current Master Plan which has been refined and changed over the last decade - though you won't see some of the above listing on this map as they have been proposed more recently, eg. The Brown Line.
Some lines may be easier to understand in this version which includes all proposed lines and those under evaluation. Completed by Skyscraper City member Archstudent;
Thai language version - http://upic.me/i/cs/bangkok_mrt_masterplan_3.jpg
This is the current network to give you an idea of change;
http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx
The urban rail site gives a clear sense of what lines are currently being constructed as per (B) in the above list (though the SRT Dark Red line is not included as it is technically a suburban line);
This is the current Master Plan which has been refined and changed over the last decade - though you won't see some of the above listing on this map as they have been proposed more recently, eg. The Brown Line.
Some lines may be easier to understand in this version which includes all proposed lines and those under evaluation. Completed by Skyscraper City member Archstudent;
Thai language version - http://upic.me/i/cs/bangkok_mrt_masterplan_3.jpg
Last edited by aBroadAbroad; May 10, 2014 at 10:22 am Reason: Nevermind
Feb 7, 2014, 1:02 pm
#5
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,426
Wow, that is a very ambitious plan 
Especially in light of what is currently open, and how long it took to open
Thanks for taking the time to put this together ^ I for one will be happy to see updates @:-)
Especially in light of what is currently open, and how long it took to open
Thanks for taking the time to put this together ^ I for one will be happy to see updates @:-)
Feb 8, 2014, 5:23 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Terra Australis Cognita
Posts: 5,350
There's a rather famous Thai artwork called If There Was No Corruption (2002) that summarizes the disconnect between Thai transport plans and reality rather neatly:
http://www.artnet.com/ag/fineartdeta...&gid=425943430
http://www.artnet.com/ag/fineartdeta...&gid=425943430
Feb 8, 2014, 10:29 am
#9
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,426
Feb 9, 2014, 1:51 am
#10
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Posts: 17,263
Yesterday at Chit Lom, perhaps 12:30PM, an 'out of service' train came through toward Bearing, stopped, and the open doors showed tape stretched back and forth blocking access into the train.
Other than the blue, white red paint scheme there were no advertisements and this looked like new rolling stock.
At about 2PM at BTS Ari the exact same thing occurred with another new train heading toward Bearing.
The trains both had different car numbers. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow since the internet in the PG Blue Ribbon lounge is craptabulous (again) this afternoon.
Yappofloyd I'm curious where these trains access the tracks and why they were heading toward Bearing... is there a facility in that direction?
Are these new stock for the current lines or will they be used for new lines?
Other than the blue, white red paint scheme there were no advertisements and this looked like new rolling stock.
At about 2PM at BTS Ari the exact same thing occurred with another new train heading toward Bearing.
The trains both had different car numbers. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow since the internet in the PG Blue Ribbon lounge is craptabulous (again) this afternoon.
Yappofloyd I'm curious where these trains access the tracks and why they were heading toward Bearing... is there a facility in that direction?
Are these new stock for the current lines or will they be used for new lines?
Feb 11, 2014, 2:46 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
Yesterday at Chit Lom, perhaps 12:30PM, an 'out of service' train came through toward Bearing, stopped, and the open doors showed tape stretched back and forth blocking access into the train.
Other than the blue, white red paint scheme there were no advertisements and this looked like new rolling stock.
At about 2PM at BTS Ari the exact same thing occurred with another new train heading toward Bearing.
The trains both had different car numbers. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow since the internet in the PG Blue Ribbon lounge is craptabulous (again) this afternoon.
Yappofloyd I'm curious where these trains access the tracks and why they were heading toward Bearing... is there a facility in that direction?
Are these new stock for the current lines or will they be used for new lines?
Other than the blue, white red paint scheme there were no advertisements and this looked like new rolling stock.
At about 2PM at BTS Ari the exact same thing occurred with another new train heading toward Bearing.
The trains both had different car numbers. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow since the internet in the PG Blue Ribbon lounge is craptabulous (again) this afternoon.
Yappofloyd I'm curious where these trains access the tracks and why they were heading toward Bearing... is there a facility in that direction?
Are these new stock for the current lines or will they be used for new lines?
There is only currently the one depot at Mo Chit though about 700m north of Bang Wah station there is a new siding/overnight staging yard at the end of the line for storing about 4 4 car trains.
Pic credit to Khun Marut
But there is no storage yards at the Bearing end, so it seems like there were doing tests runs.
The 2 that you saw are most likely from the new 5 new CNR 4 car sets of rolling stock which were delivered from Nov 2013 in time for the Bang Wah opening. I could confirm that by checking the numbers of the rolling stock on some thai forums.
The CNR stock (of which there are now 12, 4 car sets) is quite distinguishable from the original Siemens stock. Basically, a Bombadier copy.
The Bearing to Samut Prakhan ext will require another 10 sets of 4 car rolling stock. Assuming that the BTSC gets to contract to run it, they most likely will keep purchasing the cheaper CNR trains even though they have had more problems with them compared with the Siemens trains.
Apr 29, 2014, 2:04 am
#12
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
C) LINES CURRENTLY UNDER TENDER
8) BTS Dark Green line (northern ext)
(Original completion date was 2008!).
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations,
b) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
Tender by April with contracts to be signed in October.
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
8) BTS Dark Green line (northern ext)
(Original completion date was 2008!).
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations,
b) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
Tender by April with contracts to be signed in October.
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
With the ongoing political crisis and no new government, don't expect any other tenders later this year. However, the Pink and Orange lines should be the next 'cabs off the rank'.
Apr 29, 2014, 2:17 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Bangkok
Posts: 284
Also, the Phasi Charoen canal ferry restarted late last week for trial services (6-10am & 4-8:30pm) after many years of no service. This infamous canal runs off Bangkok Yai running along south of Phetkasem rd. The service runs from Bangkok Yai junction to Phetkasem soi 69 and has stop linked to the Bang Wah BTS station (P4). It is free until Nov.
Note that the N on this map is incorrect as it is actually East. The canal runs basically E-W.
The timetable for anyone wishing to give it a try,https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater
Note that the N on this map is incorrect as it is actually East. The canal runs basically E-W.
The timetable for anyone wishing to give it a try,https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater
May 1, 2014, 1:02 am
#15
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,375
5) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line) Bearing to Paknam ext (MRTA): 12.6km, 7 stations (Work started mid 2012, opens 2016)
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
20) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
20) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
I think that:
The Sukhumvit BTS line (Mo Chit – Bearing) is commonly referred to as the Light Green Line
The Silom Line (National Stadium - Bang Wah) is commonly referred to as the Dark Green Line.
http://www.btsgroup.co.th/en/our_bus...ss_transit.php
BTSC is the sole concessionaire for the original Network of Bangkok’s Sky train system. The original Network comprises 23.5km of elevated trackwork and 23 stations built on a single column support structure and forming the Silom Line (dark green) and Sukhumvit Line (light green) which runs through the heart of Bangkok’s commercial, business and tourist districts.
http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-...rrent_new.aspx
I think some of the maps Mr. Floyd pasted are also flawed, but maybe the first one in post # 4 is accurate? The map from “Archstudent” appears to be one which caused Mr. Floyd’s confusion?
While all this attention to details, like "tenders", may be fascinating to some, I suspect most here would appreciate an update on lines which might be opening in the relative near future?
That looks to be:
2) MRTA Blue Line ext from Bang Sue to Taopoon: 1.2km, 1 station
(to open in 2015)
(this is the subway)
5) BTS Dark, actually LIGHT Green line (Suk Line) Bearing to Paknam ext (MRTA): 12.6km, 7 stations (Work started mid 2012, opens 2016)
(this is the sky-train but I think this section may be operated by the MRTA, which might hopefully result in a single-card option, finally.)
edited to add:
3) MRTA Purple Line from Taopoon to Bang Yai: 23km, 16 stations (Opening 2017)
As at end of 2013 civil works construction were 85%complete.
Website: http://www.mrta-purpleline.com
According to an article in today's The Nation, Purple Line extension gives massive boost to land prices on Bangkok-Nonthaburi road , this line is currently planned to open 5 Dec 2015. This is an elevated train, which will enable transfers to the existing subway, aka the blue line, at Tao Poon (see #2 above).
Last edited by transpac; May 1, 2014 at 7:58 pm