Thai Mass Transport Trip reports and Railway Photographs

[thaitransit]

As I got some feedback earlier about how i should post these photo topic threads. I have decided to create a single thread for all of my posts of this nature in the Thailand section.


SRT: The main system (Hualamphong station and rail yard).

Last weekend I took a trip into the inner city to photograph some of the trains and infrastructure at Hualamphong station in Bangkok. This station is the largest SRT station in all of Thailand. It is the starting point for most commuter trains and long distance trains run by SRT. On an average weekday 130 trains a day arrive and depart from Hualamphong station.

The station was built in a very European styling that can be seen from the huge arched roof over most of the station. The station and the main north line to Ayutthaya opened in 1910 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama 5). When the station was built the local area was considered the outer suburbs of Bangkok. Today things are very different its now very much in the congested inner city of Bangkok.

Hualamphong station is considered a full terminus that means there are no tracks running south of the station. Therefore all trains head northward to leave the station even if the eventual destination is in the south or east. Recently there are plans for a new underground line to head south west and link up with an upgraded Mahachai line in Thonburi. The new line is part of the red line commuter project. Further upgrades and extensions to the lines beyond Mahachai will allow new main south line to be created. Thus shortening the traveling time for travelers to the south by around 2 hours.

Hualamphong also is connected to the MRT subway line that allows a traffic free route into the inner city areas of Bangkok. However this is only a recent change between 1958 and 2004 there was no rail connection at Hualamphong station. Before 1958 there was an electrified train service along Rama 4 road to Paknam at the mouth of the Chao Praya River. Today there is no rail link to Paknam and bus traveling times are around 3 hours a peak.

Hualamphong station is home to a very large passenger carriage yard and workshop that is located directly north of the platform roads. The workshop is to the north west of the station behind platform 12. The workshop is housed in a rather old concrete building with a loco and DMU siding in front of it.

1. This is a shot of the European styled station building. Taken from Rama 4 road.



2. This is an image of the MRT entrance to SRT’s Hualamphong station. The MRT entrance was styled to match that of Hualamphong station.



3. This is a shot of the waiting room at ticketing hall inside the station. Taken looking towards the ticket office. Note the blue signs in the middle of the station are for the passing of the Thai kings sister.



4. This is a close up image of the ticket counters at Humlamphong. The painting above the middle of the ticket counters is of King Rama 5.



5. This is a picture of the waiting room facing back towards the Rama 4 road entrance. Unlike most of SRTs trains and stations this part of Hualamphong is air conditioned.



If you would like to see another 41 images of Hualamphong station and yard please visit: http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...ation-and.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

The Buses of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Suvarnabhumi Bus Terminal

While on the way back from Hua Takhe Station I stopped by the Bus terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced SUE WAN NA POOM). It was quite late in the day so the light was not the best for taking pictures.

The Public transport terminal (Bus terminal) at Suvarnabhumi Airport was created as a way of allowing direct bus service to the new airport without having the chaos out the front has happened at the old airport. As a result it is located a few kilometers away from the actual airport terminal building. However there is a 24 hour express bus service linking the Airport terminal with the Bus terminal. The trip only takes about 10 minutes. The express buses run every few minutes.

The Bus terminal its self has clean toilets a few banks and a few Thai food outlets and a large 7 eleven store. There are also staffed bus ticket counters for both the intercity and metro buses that operate from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Terminal. Taxis are also available here if needed.

The Bus terminal offers intercity services to Nong Khai, Rayong, Pattaya, Bang Saen Beach, Rong Kluea Market, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Trat and Mochit 2. However these buses are not frequent some only runs every 2 to 3 hours others every 20 to 30 minutes. Tickets for these buses are purchases from the intercity bus counter and onboard for the Mochit 2 bus.

The Metro Buses that run from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus terminal are as follows:

Route 549: Minburi to Suvarnabhumi Airport (24 hour service) every 10 minutes.

Route 550: Happy Land to Suvarnabhumi Airport (24 hour service) every 10 minutes.

Route 551: Victory Monument to Suvarnabhumi Airport (24 hour service) every 10 to 15 minutes.

Route 552: Klong Toei to Suvarnabhumi Airport via Sukhumvit rd and Onnut BTS (4.30am to 9.30pm) every 15 minutes.

Route 552A: Paknam to Suvarnabhumi Airport (24 hour service) every 15 minutes.

Route 553: Paknam to Suvarnabhumi Airport via King Kaew and Srinagarindra Rds (4.00am to 10.00pm) every 20 minutes.

Route 554: Rangsit to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Expressway) via Ram Intra Rd (24 hour service) every 10 minutes.

Route 555: Rangsit to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Expressway) via Din Daeng and Viphawadi Rangsit rd. (24 hour service) every 15 minutes.

Route 556: Southern Bus Terminal to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Expressway) via Sanam Luang and Pink Lao (24 hour service) every 20 to 30 minutes.

Route 558: Samae Dam (Rama 2) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Expressway) (4.30am to 9.30pm) every 20 to 30 minutes.

Route 559: Rangsit to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Expressway) via Kanchana Phisiek rd (4.00am to 9.30pm) every 20 to 30 minutes.

All of these buses are operated by BMTA and will take luggage on board. The best routes for heading into inner Bangkok are Routes 551 and 552. If heading to Don Muang Airport the best route is Route 555. Please allow at least 90 minutes for travel and up to 2 hours at peak times. The BMTA buses cost 34 baht per person per trip.

Additional private airport express buses operate from Level 1 in the airport terminal building and charge 150 baht per person. They operate 4 different routes that are as follows:

A1: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Silom (Covers: Siam, Soi Langsuan and Silom areas).

A2: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Banglamphu (Covers: Khao Sarn Road area).

A3: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Nana (Covers: Sukhumvit Road –Bang Na to Nana).

A4: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Hualamphong (Covers: Phaya Thai and Hualamphong Station areas).

All services operate from 5am to midnight 7 days a week. Frequency varies due to traffic. Note: Route A1 to A4 DO NOT operate from the BUS terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

1. This is an image of a route A1 private Airport Express bus taken as it passes the Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus terminal. Bus unit number AE – 626. Make Unknown Mercedes.



2. This is a shot showing the general waiting area at Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus terminal. Taken looking towards the Bus ticket counters. Note: the 3 orange signs are for intercity buses and Mochit 2 buses.



3. This is a picture of a route 554 bus just as it arrived at Suvarnabhumi. This is a Euro 2 Hino bus. BMTA unit number 1-45001.



4. This is a shot of a route 551 bus waiting to depart from Suvarnabhumi. This is a Euro 2 Hino bus. BMTA unit number 4-44187.



5. This is a shot of a route 555 bus waiting to depart from Suvarnabhumi. This is a Euro 2 Hino Bus. BMTA unit number unknown. Note that the destination sign is incorrect and the supplementary board is correct.



If you would like to see another 16 images and information about Suvarnbhumi Airport’s Bus Terminal please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...rport-and.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

SRT: The Eastern Line and The construction of the Airport Rail Link.

Also Last weekend I took a trip on SRT’s Eastern Commuter line. This line is also known as the Chachoengsao Commuter line. The Train I took was the 15.25 Kabin Buri Stopping all stations. I rode it as far as Hua Takhe Station. The reason for getting off at Hua Takhe is that is considered close to the eastern edge of Bangkok’s suburbs. But there is lots of development beyond now with the new airport close to Hua Takhe. The 15.25 train was hideously late at around 40 minutes due to crossing loop delays and overcrowding when it arrived at Hua Takhe!

The Eastern Commuter line is a line that is at 100% capacity right now and is expected to carry many times more passengers than there is space on the trains. The line starts at Yommaraj Junction and runs to Chachoengsao about 60km east of Bangkok. From Yommaraj this line runs as 2 separate single lines that then join at the junction for the Klong Toei port line (Night freight only). Then the line is single track for 100 meters until it enters Makkasan station and loop. After Makkasan the line is single track until the double line starts at Hua Mak station. Between Makkasan there is only one short loop near Klong Tan station. After Hua Mak station its high standard Double track to Chachoengsao.

The result of this layout is that the eastern line suffers from massive delays and capacity problems that are only made worse by the construction of the elevated airport rail link. There are only 16 trains a day inbound and 14 trains a day outbound. Trains are built up to the maximum of the loop lengths for the loco hauled trains. Most trains on this line are full to the point of people hanging out the doors or just cant get on.

The possible passenger catchment for the eastern line is around 3 million people but the trains will never come close to fully servicing this demand. The majority of these people cram on to the thousands of BMTA buses servicing the areas along the line including the new airport. If you don’t take the train there is no other traffic free way into inner Bangkok so its better to try and cram on to one of the dangerously overcrowded trains of the eastern line. If you want to get to the city in under 1 hour. Rather than 2 to 3 hours by slow bus.

However it’s not all bad news for the eastern line. When the airport rail link opens next year it will allow a metro class service for half of the line. Greatly reducing the congestion. Also with the opening of the airport line extra trains from Hua Mak to Chachoengsao can operate, as they don’t need to run though the single line as passengers can transfer to the new line there.

1. This is a movie showing a trip from Yommaraj Junction to Uropong Station. Note the busy level crossings and the very densely built up railway village that the train passes right though. Some of these homes have satellite TV.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93Uy2rfXtJk



2. This is an image of Uropong Station the 1st station on the eastern line. The curved platform on the right is used by 1 train a day that starts at Rangsit. But that curve is also used by a large amount of slow cargo trains from the east and from Klong Toei port.



3. This is a picture of Phayathai Station. This station an interchange station with the BTS system. It is in a very poor condition due to airport rail link works and lack of maintenance. The broken concrete platform is where you wait for eastern line trains.



4. This is a short movie of passing under the construction works for the new airport rail line. Note the construction works and the state of the existing eastern rail line. Filmed between Phayathai and Rachaprarop Stations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcGfvW8qtZU



5. This is a picture of the track condition between Phayathai and Rachaprarop Stations. Note how close the railway village homes are to the track. The concrete walkway is inside the trains loading gauge as can be seen from the line of dirt down the middle of the walkway.



6. This is a picture of the inner city Rachaprarop Station. This is the closest station to Pratunam the shopping district of Bangkok. It’s in the worst condition of all stations on the eastern line. Note the small concrete area is where you wait and to access it you must walk along the track.



7. This is a shot of the Rachaprarop level crossing and above the track is the construction of the new Rachaprarop station on the Airport Line. This level crossing just has a small roll way metal barrier to protect it. Despite it being on a very busy wide main road.



12. This is movie showing the crossing of two full commuter trains at Makkasan station and loop. Note how people run for the train and the area around the station. Also if you look carefully some old trains can be seen beyond the airport lines columns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M89E_NOTeec

If you would like to see 40 more images and information about the eastern line please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...uction-of.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

SRT: A trip on the Ayutthaya Commuter Line (Main North line)

Last weekend after visiting Hualamphong station I took a trip to Rangsit on the main North line or Ayutthaya Commuter line. Rangsit is a new outer suburb of Bangkok controlled by the city of Pathum Thani. It is a medium to high density suburb and is home to a number of major universities and industrial areas. The reason for going only as far as Rangsit is that its considered the last commuter station in Bangkok.

The Ayutthaya line forms the backbone of the entire SRT main commuter system. There are 31 outbound trains a day from Hualamphong and Ayutthaya operating from 04.20am to 11.40pm. Also there are 30 inbound trains a day from Ayutthaya to Hualamphong operating from 01.14am to 07.14pm. This line was the 1st line that SRT built back in 1910. It is about 80 kilometers long and takes between 80 mins to 120 mins depending on the train.

Although the line runs to Ayutthaya the densely built up suburbs of Bangkok end a few kilometers north of Rangsit station. There is only 1 train a day that starts at Rangsit and this is a though route to Hua Takhe in the east of Bangkok. The main reason for why most trains run from Ayutthaya is that a large number of trains on this line are formed from long distance trains rather than a separate fleet of DMUs for commuter. Only during peak hour are there trains that operate as commuter only.

However by using long distance trains to form the commuter service do creates a few problems. Such as inbound trains often running very late some times by over 2 hours! Also this though route creates very extreme overcrowding on long distance trains.

In the future this line will be upgraded as part of the red line commuter project that runs from Mahachai to Rangsit via Hualamphong. This will allow a better commuter service and faster traveling times for both commuter and long distance passengers.

The train I took was the 11.40am Surin train this is an ordinary 3rd class all stations train. From Hualamphong to Rangsit it is a limited stop commuter train. I.e. skips the peak hour only stations.

1. This is a short movie of the departure of the 11.40am train to Rangsit. The train departed Hualamphong from platform 8. Note the length of the platform and the train guard. Also shown is the large rail yard north of Hualamphong station.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsMWXtphdL4

2. This is an image of the 3 track main line just north of the Hualamphong rail yard. Note how close the buildings are to the tracks and the size of the buildings thus making further increases in tracks very difficult.



3. This is a shot of the 3 track rail bridge over Klong Saen Saep. From this point is where the point work starts for Yommaraj junction for the eastern line. This area suffers from long delays.



4. This is a shot from the rear of the train showing the approach to Yommaraj junction. The diverge is in the middle of the busy 6 way road junction. Traffic jams often delay trains here as the level crossing is jammed solid. Also along the track is a railway village. These railway villages are built around the railway tracks and are very dense.



5. This is an image showing the inside of the Rangsit commuter train. This train is not very busy but it will get busier later as it continues on to Surin in the north east well beyond commuter distance.



6. This is a picture of a typical set of points on the main north line. Taken from the rear of the Rangsit train.



7. This is a movie of the Rangsit train passing though Yommaraj junction and Yommaraj station on the main north line. Note the railway village and the busy level crossing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRKUs_IunVU



17. This is a short movie showing the final approach to Bang Sue Junction. Note the rail bridge and station. This is the largest and busiest rail junction in Thailand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNkOwm5h8iw



28. This is a short movie showing the departure form Nikhom Rotfai Khomo Sip-et Station. Note the columns of Bangkok’s Stonehenge. Also note the railway village on the right. This is not the railway workers village.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw-NNSgNcQ4



30. This is a short movie showing what its like to pass under the Hopewell columns just north of Nikhom Rotfai Khomo Sip-et Station. Note the tunnel effect of the columns. These columns have been like this for over 10 years and are likely to fall down rather than be removed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJfjHc3ErFw



40. This is a short movie showing the end of the Hopewell columns and where the track curves away from the highway. Also shown is the railway signal system used on the main system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9kS384-yuw



If you would like to see another 45 images and more information about the SRT Main North commuter line please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...uter-line.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thainotts]

hey, btw, did you know you could just embed the youtube videos directly into the thread if you want. just write [youtube]v=t9kS384-yuw[/youtube] (i used "t9kS384-yuw" but you can replace it with the code after "v=" in the youtube link.

Example:


alternatively, if you don't want people embedding your youtube, videos, you can turn the function off in your youtube settings.

[thaitransit]

SRT: Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station and night shots.

While visiting the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan I went down to the main railway station in the city. This topic is a little different to others in that it has both day and night railway and station pictures.

Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station is a major SRT station on the main south line that links Bangkok with the south of Thailand. This station is 6 to 7 hours train ride south of Bangkok. Prachuap Khiri Khan station marks the start of southern Thailand. Prachuap Khiri Khan station also has a small railway yard and a 1000 metre crossing loop.

The main south line is the only railway that links the north and south of Thailand together. This line is mostly single track and is very congested as it is a major passenger and cargo line. The main south line is part of the South East Asian cargo land bridge service that links the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea. Due to the main south line being mostly single track massive crossing loop delays can occur at any point on the line. Passenger trains heading to Bangkok can be upto 2 hours late.

There are trains operating throughout the day. But the most activity occurs in the evening and early morning at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. Also not all main south line passenger trains stop at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. If you want to use a train from this station please try to book at least a week before you travel as demand outstrips supply on this route and trains are often booked up days in advance and a 3rd class standing commuter ticket will be the only thing available on the day.

The trains that operate from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Bangkok are:

00.04, 00.41, 01.34, 02.49, 04.17, 15.04, 22.30 and 23.27

The best trains to take are: 00.04 sleeper train, 00.41 sprinter DMU seats only, 04.17 sleeper train and the 15.04 sprinter DMU seats only. All these trains have air conditioned carriages and are express.

The trains that operate from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Thonburi are:

00.22, 05.00 and 09.46 these trains are non aircon only and arrive in Thonburi near Bangkok.

The trains that operate from Prachuap Khiri Khan to the south of Thailand are:

00.25 Lang Suan, 01.02 Nakhon Sri Thammarat, 03.32 Yala, 12.09 Surat Thani, 13.32 Lang Suan, 18.26 Sungai Kolok, 20.28 Sungai Kolok, 21.38 Yala, 22.57 Nakhon Sri Thammarat and 23.29 Kantang.

1. This is an image of Prachuap Khiri Khan Station taken from the street. It is of a similar style to that of Hua Hin station.



2. This is a shot of the open air waiting area and ticketing hall at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. Note the new LCD TV in the background.



3. This is an image of the platform timetable at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. The reflective cover made it hard to get a clear shot of it.



4. This is another shot of the waiting room looking back to the street. People often rest inside the station during the day as it’s out of the hot sun.



5. This is a shot of the signal control board at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. This is a much older system than what is used on the main north line in Rangsit.



This next section of pictures from Prachuap Khiri Khan railway station is quite different as they where taken around 11.30pm at night. This is my 1st time to take nighttime railway and mass transport pictures. Like all pictures on my website these are not taken using an expensive and bulky SLR camera but a basic point and shot digital camera.

18. This is a night shot of Prachuap Khiri Khan station looking north. Like most SRT stations they are quite dark at night. SRT does not light up the entire track and platforms with floodlights like in Australia. The train on the left is the all stations Thonburi train. It will leave at 05.00am.



19. This is a night image of Prachuap Khiri Khan station looking south. The southern end is much darker than the middle of the station. The red signals really stand out at night.



20. This is a night shot of the platform at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. Notice how only the platform is brightly lit. Even though it’s nearly midnight the station did not feel unsafe even though not a lot of people were around.



21. This is a shot of the Prachuap Khiri Khan signal box taken at night. Taken from within the sidings area.



22. This is a shot of SRT loco number 4514 taken at night just after it stopped at the station looking northward.



27. This is a movie of a night train approaching Prachuap Khiri Khan station. This film was taken from the rather dark southern end of the station looking south. The train is a sleeper train heading to Bangkok.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH-DbIPoRJw



28. This is a movie of 2 trains passing at night in the station loop at Prachuap Khiri Khan station. Filmed looking north from the southern end of the station. Background light is rather limited at SRT stations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtkcajpu_Bo



If you would like to see some more day and night railway pictures from Prachuap Khiri Khan station and yard please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...y-station.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

The Mass Transport of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Between the 5th of April 2008 and the 8th of April 2008 I visited the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan. This city is about 5 hours intercity bus ride from the southern bus terminal on the Thonburi side of Bangkok. Prachuap Khiri Khan is famous for its nice beaches and top quality seafood and fishing industry.

The city itself is the gateway to the south of Thailand. It is located on a very narrow strip of land that in some places is only 12 kilometers wide. This small strip of land is what joins the south of Thailand with the north of Thailand. Prachuap Khiri Khan is much quieter and is a lot less touristy than the nearby places of Hua Hin and Cha-am. As a result it is cheaper to visit and a nicer place to relax in than most other Thai beach resorts.

Prachuap Khiri Khan is a rather small city with only about 15000 residents. Most residents are involved in one of 3 main industries. These industries are fishing, tourism and the Thai air force. Due to the small size of Prachuap Khiri Khan there is no metro or bus system. However it does not mean that it has no mass transport.

The mass transport of Prachuap Khiri Khan consists of small motorbike sidecars called “Saaleng” and the intercity buses that link it to other towns and cities both north and south of the city. Also Prachuap Khiri Khan is a major stop on the SRT main south line. I will post a topic about the railways later.

1. This is a very nice and relaxing beach at Ao Manao. This beach is a 30 baht “Saaleng” ride from the centre of Prachuap Khiri khan it is located inside the Air Force base.



2. This is an image of a typical “Saaleng” taken outside of the Prachuap Khiri Khan Post office. These “Saaleng” are made up of a motorbike and a sidecar with a cover over both. The “Saaleng” can hold upto 5 people not including the driver.



3. This is a shot of a “Saaleng” in its wet weather mode with all the sides covered. In the city area the “Saaleng” cost 20 baht per trip per person. They operate in a similar way to taxis in that they run an on demand mass transport service. The prices are fixed per trip and they offer a door-to-door service.



4. This is a close up shot of a typical “Saaleng” taken at Prachuap Khiri Khan SRT station. They don’t operate on any fixed routes and can be hailed at any location.



5. This is an image of a “Saaleng” being used to carry cargo instead of passengers.



7. This is a short movie of a ride on a Prachuap Khiri Khan “Saaleng” service. Filmed while on the way to the second class intercity bus terminal in the city centre of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp1yaNrCgHA



If you would like to see another 20 images of Prachuap Khiri Khan’s Mass transport including the intercity buses and their terminals please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...hiri-khan.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[Wisarut]

BTW, DID you get my suggestion abotu how to take a trip from Surat Thani to Khirirat Nikhom yet? If so, you better get at least 5-10 people to share the van leasing ...

[blkarr0ws]

พอได้ไหมครับผมอายเค้ามากๆ

[blkarr0ws]

พอเหอๆๆๆ อายเค้าอ่ะๆ

[thaitransit]

Originally Posted by Wisarut

BTW, DID you get my suggestion abotu how to take a trip from Surat Thani to Khirirat Nikhom yet? If so, you better get at least 5-10 people to share the van leasing ...

No i have not seen your suggestion about how to take a trip to khirirat Nikhom. the only message i got about this was to stay inside the train crew rest room with them after it arrives at 6pm.

If you have some more information on this please PM me on this site. By the way how much is the van and can it drive ahead and wait for me at Khirirat Nikhom station. As i want to ride the train itself from surat thani.

My southern Thailand trip has been delayed until October 2008 instead of April so i have time to plan it.

[Orienthai]

น่าอวดตรงไหนรถไฟไทย หรือต้องการจะบอกให้ชาวโลกรู้ว่านี่คือหนึ่งในผลงานคอรับชั่นของรัฐบาลไทย

ผ่านมาเป็น 10ๆรัฐบาลไม่เคยพัฒนาเลย มีแต่ครงการนู้นโครงการนี้แล้วก็แป๊ก!!!เหมือนเดิม

รอดูโครงการรางคู่ของท่านนายกสมัคร ไม่รู้จะแป๊ก!! รึเปล่า แต่ถ้าทำได้จริงก็วิเศษเลย

[thainotts]

Originally Posted by blkarr0ws

พอเหอๆๆๆ อายเค้าอ่ะๆ

i don't know if thaitransit understands Thai, but what's the point of hiding anything? will it somehow make the problem disappear?

unless you're mocking the SRT, I think you need to ask yourself whether impressing people with an image or with reality is better.

[NiShiiZ]

จะอายความจริงไปทำไมครับ
และผมก็ไม่เห็นว่ามันจะน่าอายด้วย

[JC]

No need to hide but Thai train + bus need to be upgraded immediately.

[thaitransit]

SRT: Thonburi Rail Yard + Thai Steam Engine Fleet.

Last Friday I visited the SRT rail yard and workshop at Thonburi on the western side of Bangkok. This rail yard is located next to Thonburi railway station on the Thonburi commuter line. This station and rail yard was the original terminus for the southern line trains in Bangkok. In the 1920’s a new rail link to Bang Sue in the inner north of Bangkok allowed direct rail access to Hualamphong station.

Thonburi rail yard is one of the more interesting places for rail fans in Bangkok. This rail yard and workshop has quite a lot of history to it. It is home to the SRT heritage steam engine fleet. The Thonburi rail yard is the only currently operating steam locomotive maintenance and repair workshop in Bangkok. A small number of diesel locomotives are maintained at the Thonburi workshop along side the steam locomotives.

Today all the rail operations to and from Thonburi station and its yard is passenger related. No cargo trains operate from Thonburi station. The yard is now a minor repair a fueling point for SRT’s diesel locomotive fleet. A few years ago the passenger platforms where relocated from a nicer historical station next to the Chao Phaya River. This was done to make way for extensions to the Royal Siriraj Hospital.

This relocation has made the Thonburi yard and its railway station less attractive to SRTs passengers as the new rather temporary looking station is not easy to get to or well connected to other areas of Bangkok or Thonburi. The yard’s long term future doesn’t look great as there are no future projects to include the Thonburi rail yard and this part of the Thonburi commuter line into Bangkok’s modern mass transport system.

If you do come to visit the rail yard at Thonburi the people are very friendly and welcoming to rail fans. But please be careful of moving trains and other equipment when in the rail yard. Also be friendly to the staff and don’t take or damage any of the equipment or metal parts or trains. The rail yard staff do speak a little English and will show you around the yard and trains if you ask them nicely.

1. This is an image of Steam loco number 953 and GE loco number 4034. Taken looking towards the workshop from the eastern rail entrance to the Thonburi rail yard. Note: Steam Loco Number 953 is still in working order and is used on tourist trains a few times a year.



2. This is an image of a similar steam loco to number 953 on a rail tour to Ayutthaya. Taken as steam loco number 824 approached Bang Sue station.



3. This is a general view of the carriage sidings next to Thonburi rail yard. Note the old cargo vans, signal control wires and the 3rd class passenger carriages.



4. This is a general view of the Thonburi rail yard looking east taken from the western end of the yard. This section of the yard appears to deal with carriage repairs.



5. This is a view of a 3rd class passenger carriage undergoing repair in the yard. Note all the different metal parts lying around the yard.



If you would like to see more images from the Thonburi rail yard please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...hai-steam.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

The Buses of Nakhon Pathom and Bus Route 402.

After taking the Thonburi commuter train to Nakhon Pathom. I took note of the various mass transport on offer in Nakhon Pathom city. Before I returned home via Mahachai city on Bus Route 402.

A little Background on the city of Nakhon Pathom.

Nakhon Pathom city was founded over 1400 years ago making it the oldest continuously inhabited urban city in Thailand. Despite the cities great age almost nothing remains today of its past infrastructure and architecture. The only remaining 1400 year building in Nakhon Pathom is the 127 meter tall Phra Pathom Chedi. This ancient temple building is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and Nakhon Pathom’s tallest building.

This temple is the oldest temple in Thailand and some people say its history goes back as long as 2300 years ago when a small Buddhist village formed on the current site of Nakhon Pathom city. This temple is one of the most important Thai Buddhist temples and is awarded the highest temple rank.

The name Nakhon Pathom means first city. Today Nakhon Pathom is a shadow of its former self. Its now just a medium sized regional city with a population of around 70000 people. Its current purpose is a trading and transport centre for outer Bangkok and the rural areas to the west of the city. The city is also a major stop on the main south railway line and is the start of the commuter line to Bangkok.

Today Nakhon Pathom’s Mass transport system consists of a number orange interurban buses and small buses and trucks to provide town and commuter bus services. A number of these bus services operate as commuter services in Nakhon Pathom and extend into outer Bangkok, Thonburi or Mahachai city. A lot of the people living in Nakhon Pathom commute by bus to areas outside the city to work.

1. This is an image of the 1400 year old Phra Pathom Chedi temple in the city centre of Nakhon Pathom. It is the cities most famous place and its tallest building.



2. This is a shot of a Route 8138: Nakhon Pathom – Om Yai Bus. Bus unit number 8138 – 4. This bus is an older Hino bus that was re bodied with a metro bus style body. Taken in the Nakhon Pathom city bus terminal.



3. This is another angle on Bus number 8138 – 4 just as it is departing to start a trip on route 8138. Taken in the Nakhon Pathom Bus terminal.




4. This is an image of a Route 997: (Bangkok) Pink Lao to Nakhon Pathom intercity bus just as it picks up its last passenger as it’s departing the Nakhon Pathom Bus terminal. Bus number 1st class 997-29. Bus type unknown.



5. This is another angle on bus number 1st class 997-29. Taken as it drives off from Nakhon Pathom bus terminal with its doors still open. Even though this is a 1st class intercity bus it still gets 20 to 30 people standing.



This next section relates to rural/interurban bus route 402: Nakhon Pathom to Mahachai city.

Route 402 is a rural/interurban commuter bus service that links the cities of Nakhon Pathom and Mahachai. When the route started most of the route would have been on minor country roads. Today this route passes though mostly fully built up residential and heavy industrial area between the two cities on major roads.

Route 402 is around 50km long but takes 2 hours to complete due to a very slack timetable with long timing points on the route. A new timetable could reduce the running time to around 90 mins end to end. This service operates every 15 mins from 4am to 8pm 7 days a week.

15. This is a shot of the Route 402 bus that I used to get to Mahachai city. Bus number 402 – 2 is the oldest bus that they seem to use on this route. Taken at Nakhon Pathom.



16. This is an image of the awkward front doorway and massive steps that have to be climbed to get into the bus. The engine on bus 402 – 2 is at the front right next to the driver and front door.



17. This is a shot of the seating arrangement inside Bus number 402 – 2. A lot of these older orange buses use 2 + 3 seating with very little legroom. No route 402 bus has air conditioning.



18. This is an image of the buses spare wheel tied to the window frame near the back door of the bus. Note the condition of the bus. Two windows on this bus where missing and had been replaced with a wooden panel.



19. This is a shot of the bus driver’s seat on Bus 402 – 2. Take note of the condition of this bus. None of the driver dashboard dials actually work.



21. This is a short movie taken on board a Route 402 bus. Note general condition of the bus and how the doors cannot be closed when running and the cooling fans with no screen. Also this bus route gets very busy at peak as it services a lot of heavy industrial areas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXy9l3B0cfk



If you would like to see more images of buses from Nakhon Pathom and route 402 please visit:
http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...bus-route.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thaitransit]

SRT: The Thonburi to Nakhon Pathom Commuter Line.

On Friday I took a trip on the Thonburi SRT commuter line to Nakhon Pathom. This Commuter line operates from Bangkok Noi district in Thonburi to the ancient city of Nakhon Pathom 50 km west of Bangkok.

The Thonburi line is the original terminus for the main south line until the 1920’s when the Rama 6 rail bridge was built across the Chao Phraya River. Thus creating a link between Hualamphong and the south of Thailand. This link connected up the 2 isolated halves of the SRT rail system and somewhat made Thonburi station and its 6 km long commuter line redundant.

Even though the Thonburi line is past its prime it doesn’t mean that no trains operate from there. In fact Thonburi station is quite useful for short trips on the main south line as there are 6 trains a day departing from Thonburi station and these trains make up the commuter service. If you’re heading to the Kanchanaburi area using Thonburi station is a must as all trains to Kanchanaburi depart from Thonburi station.

The commuter service on this line is rather basic and is not heavily used. This is partly due to low frequency of services and the fact all trains are 3rd class non aircon. One of the biggest problems for increasing the usage of the Thonburi commuter line is the lack of onward mass transport from its rather temporary looking station in Bangkok Noi district.

The Thonburi line used to be easier to use and connect with when its original 1930’s station was next to the Chao Phaya River thus allowing onward traffic free boat services to the BTS and other points on the river. Today the station is situated 800 meters further from the river to allow for an expansion of the Royal Siriraj hospital. This move has left the line unconnected to other mass transport in Bangkok. In fact Thonburi SRT station is the worst connected mass transport railway station in Thailand. The bus stops for the station are around 800 to 1000 meters walk away.

As on most other SRT commuter lines the short distance commuter service is made up of long distance trains and not dedicated commuter trains. This leads to very poor on time running on inbound trips. On the day I visited Thonburi station the 09.59 train from Nakhon Pathom was 100 minutes late.

With around 12 trains a day heading direct to Bang Sue instead of Thonburi now. The future for Thonburi station and its 6km section of track looks bleak as all resent plans for upgrades to the main south line and the Thonburi commuter service involve running direct to Bang Sue.

The timetable for the Thonburi commuter line:

From Thonburi to Nakhon Pathom:

07.25 (Lang Suan), 07.45 (Nam Tok), 13.05 (Prachup Khiri Khan) 13.55 (Nam Tok), 17.40 (Rachaburi) and 19.15 (Lang Suan).

Most of these train stop all stations to Nakhon Pathom then travel onwards. The only exception is the 19.15 Lang Suan train this is a limited stop train to between Thonburi and Nakhon Pathom.

From Nakhon Pathom to Thonburi:

04.50 (Limited stop), 06.03, 08.51, 09.59, 14.40 and 16.24

The trip takes 70 minutes to complete from Nakhon Pathom to Thonburi.

1. This is a shot of the platform at Thonburi SRT station. Note the rather temporary look of this station. All trains depart and arrive on this platform.



2. This is an image of the ticket office at Thonburi station. Note the arrival train timetable in the foreground.



3. This is a shot of the train timetable on the platform at Thonburi station. There are 6 trains a day each way.



4. This is a shot of one of these oddly placed video cameras all over the SRT system. This one on the platform at Thonburi station just looks at the platform sign.



5. This is a movie of an UP train arriving very late into the platform at Thonburi station. This is a loco hauled train using SRT loco number 4519. Note the steam whistle sound of its horn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qd-h3y7ydE



6. This is a movie of the 13.05 train departing Thonburi station. Filmed from the on train perspective. Note the station and rail yard on departure. Also the SRT shunter 79 can be seen moving carriages in the yard as the train passes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GVDKcOwYPk



7. This is a shot of Charan Sanitwong Station. Taken from the rear of the train. This station is an easier place to board Thonburi line trains as there are a lot of bus connections here but there is no ticket office and tickets must be purchases on board.



8. This is a short movie of crossing the steel rail bridge above the weekend Taling Chan Floating Market. If traveling from within Thonburi this train can be used to access the market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5SLKfYJ80g



26. This is a movie of crossing the long steel rail bridge near Nakhon Chaisi station. The darker bridge is the original single track bridge from when the line opened and the new silver bridge was added when the line was upgraded to double track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nNCOOMheCs



36. This is a movie showing the departure of the Prachuap Khiri Khan train and the general view around the station area. Towards the end of the video has got to be the strangest trains I have ever seen. It’s just a loco and a very long section of rail held up on small wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-o_0CH2qac



If you would like to see more images of the Thonburi commuter line please visit:

http://thaitransit.blogspot.com/2008...-commuter.html

I hope you find the pictures and vehicles shown to be of interest if you view this please post some comments and feelings about the pictures.

[thainotts]

HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH what IDIOTS!

I'm sad for the state of the SRT.

[cheychai]

good indeed!
many thaks