BANGKOK | Public Transport

[napoleon]

Cabinet endorses MRTA's Bt72 bn loan

The Nation February 13, 2012 5:14 pm

The Cabinet on Monday approved the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand's proposal to borrow Bt72.25 billion.

The loan is to finance two electric train lines - the Blue Line (Bang Sue-Tha Phra) and the Green Line (Bearing-Samut Prakan).

Pakdeeharn Himathongkham, deputy government spokesman, said that the Budget Bureau is assigned to allocate the amount to the MRTA.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30175770.html

[:jax:]

Originally Posted by Codename B

Testing of the common ticket system for employees only.

"Rabbit"? Because it was internally introduced in the year of the rabbit? Will that be changed to "dragon" when it actually is introduced (or even "snake"...)? I kind of like the name though.

I was visiting Bangkok a month ago or so, and the system wasn't introduced by then, I don't know if it is now.

[napoleon]

BTS revenue jumps on higher ridership, routes extension

THE NATION March 2, 2012 1:00 am

BTS Group Holding expects its revenue to surge 17 per cent in the fiscal year ending this month thanks to rising ridership on the Skytrain and extensions to its lines.

Chairman Keeree Kanjanapas said yesterday that despite the massive flood from October-December last year, passenger traffic continued to increase because of the lengthening of the Sukhumvit Line to Bearing and the opening of shopping malls and condominiums along the routes.

The Skytrain, which is run by BTS subsidiary Bangkok Mass Transit System, plans to add two stations this year - Bang Chan and Bang Wa - to its Silom Line, which currently terminates at Wongwian Yai. The company has to seek the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's approval before setting fares and operating the new services.

Congestion during rush hour was difficult to handle but in August, 35 more carriages will be delivered and four more will be ordered this year. The new carriages will serve the rising demand from commuters and the longer lines. By the end of 2012, the system should carry more than 600,000 riders a day, up from 570,000 now.

The Skytrain will remain the core business of the group, Keeree said. It contributes 60-70 per cent of revenue, followed by 20 per cent from VGI Global Media, an out-of-home media agency, and the rest from property development and hotel management.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30177088.html

[Codename B]

Today another Mass Transit line is announced to be constructed. The BTS Light Green line extension (Bearing - Samut Prakan) 12.6 km (construction will begin this april)

The whole extension is in Samut Prakan province south of Bangkok. Many more lines are waiting to be constructed.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Codename B]

Bangkok is testing a common ticketing system. The testing will begin in May. It will take about 4 months and it will be usable in September-October this year. The card is called Rabbit Card and the points you collect will be called carrot rewards.

Originally Posted by totomaru

001. เดิมในช่วงเริ่มต้น จะเป็นการทดลองการใช้งานกับกลุ่มพนักงาน ของบริษัทในเครือข่ายที่เกี่ยวข้อง ดังนี้...

• ธนาคารกรุงเทพ BBL
• บริษัท รถไฟฟ้ากรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) BMCL
• บริษัท ระบบขนส่งมวลชนกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) BTS
• บริษัท บางกอก สมาร้ทการ์ด ซิสเทม จำกัด BSS
• บริษัท วีจีไอ โกลบอล มีเดีย จำกัด VGI GROUP)


002. โดยในส่วนของตัวบัตรจะเรียกว่า "rabbit CARD" ครับ
เมื่อเปิดใช้งานเต็มรูปแบบ สามารถเข้าดูข้อมูลต่างๆได้ที่ www.rabbitcard.com ครับ


003. โดยในส่วนของคะแนนสะสมจะเรียกว่า "carrot rewards" ครับ
เมื่อเปิดใช้งานเต็มรูปแบบ สามารถเข้าดูข้อมูลต่างๆได้ที่ www.carrotrewards.co.th ครับ


004. โดยในปัจจุบัน รถไฟฟ้า BTS ที่บริเวณ Ticket Office ของทุกๆสถานี จะมีการติดสติ๊กเกอร์ ประชาสัมพันธ์ ถึงการทดสอบการให้บริการไว้แล้ว ครับ


005. และในส่วนของบอร์ดข่าวสาร/ประชาสัมพันธ์ ทุกๆสถานีก็ได้มีการติดตั้ง "เงื่อนไขการใช้งานบัตร rabbit CARD" (ภาษาไทย) ไว้แล้วเช่นกัน ครับ


006. และในส่วนของ "เงื่อนไขการใช้งานบัตร rabbit CARD" (ภาษาอังกฤษ) ก็มีการติดไว้แล้วเช่นกัน ครับ


007. หน้าตาบัตรทดสอบครับ BSS TEST CARD Rev.1


008. การทดสอบทำกันที่ รถไฟฟ้า MRT สถานีคลองเตย ( KHO ) เมื่อวันที่ 10 มีนาคม 2555 ที่ผ่านมาครับ

[Bentown]

some update pics

SRT Light Red line (Bangsue - Talling Chan)

Talling Chan station

image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


image hosted on flickr


taken by me

[Codename B]

Bangkok Mass Transit Update

• SRT Light Red line (Bangsue - Talling Chan) 15 km
  91.20% complete.
  
  
• MRT Purple line (Bansue - Bang Yai) 23 km
  41.37% complete and will be operational in 2015.
  
  
• MRT Blue line extension (Bangsue - Ta Phra & Hualamphong - Bang Kae) 27 km
  12.72% complete and will be operational in 2016.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Planned lines & extensions in progress

1. BTS Light Green line extension (Mo Chit - Sapan Mai) 11.4 km.
   Ready to be signed this year.
   
   
2. SRT Dark Red line (Bangsue - Rangsit) 26 km.
   Can't start yet, because the bid winner, SU Joint Venture, quoted the cost at 31 billion baht while the cabinet had allocated only 27.17 billion baht for the project. A committee would be set up to discuss the issue.
   
   
3. SRT Airport Rail Link extension (Don Mueang Airport - Bangsue - Phaya Thai) - 21.8 km
   Got the green light by EIA. Bidding will begin this year or at the latest early next year.
   
   
4. MRT Pink line (Kaerai - Minburi) 34.5 km.
   Under study of whether it will be heavy rail or monorail.
   
   
5. MRT Orange line (Thailand Cultural Center - Bangkapi - Minburi) 20 km.
   In the process of hiring consulting firm for a detailed review of various studies.
   
   
6. MRT Purple line extension (Bangsue - Ratchaburana) 19.8 km.
   In the process of inviting consulting firms and they will be assigned the case in June 5, 2012.
   
   
7. MRT Yellow line (Lad Phrao - Pattanakarn - Samrong) 30.4 km.
   Also in the process of inviting consulting firms and they will be assigned the case in June 5, 2012.

Total = 163,9 km

****************************************************************

Current lines as of April 2012 (including BRT)

1. BTS Skytrain (Light Green Line) 22.25 km
2. BTS Skytrain (Dark Green Lines) 8.7 km
3. MRT Subway (Blue line) 20 km
4. SRT Airport Rail Link 28.6 km
5. BRT Bus Rapid Transit 16.5 km

Total = 96.05 km

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lines under constructions

1. BTS Dark Green line extension (Taksin - Bangwa) 5.3 km
2. BTS Light Green line extension (Bearing - Samut Prakan) 12.6 km
3. SRT Light Red line (Bangsue - Talling Chan) 15 km
4. MRT Purple line (Bansue - Bang Yai) 23 km
5. MRT Blue line extension (Bangsue - Ta Phra & Hualamphong - Bang Kae) 27 km

Total : 82.9 km

****************************************************************

[khoojyh]

As the thread is public transport.

I wonder why Bangkok very old bus (majority non air-con) still operating in Bangkok? It also seriously polluted the street air, some bus station is not built proprerly or lack of maintanance.... It's really not convenient for tourist or even local. Bus didn't stop properly for passenger get down and I see the bus driver just drive crazy. It's so dangerous.

As Bangkok taxi, BTS, Skytrain and Airport link are doing well, why not the bus???

[ajw373]

Originally Posted by khoojyh

As the thread is public transport.

I wonder why Bangkok very old bus (majority non air-con) still operating in Bangkok? It also seriously polluted the street air, some bus station is not built proprerly or lack of maintanance.... It's really not convenient for tourist or even local. Bus didn't stop properly for passenger get down and I see the bus driver just drive crazy. It's so dangerous.

As Bangkok taxi, BTS, Skytrain and Airport link are doing well, why not the bus???

You really don't quite understand the situation. In Bangkok there are different levels of bus used by different people in different economic situations. The ones you talk about are the ones that are generally used by the poorest in the country at a very cheap price. If it were to all be brought up to western standard then those that use it couldn't afford it. I seriously doubt that a tourist would want to go to these locations, and if they did then they could afford a taxi so no issue there.

The 2nd teir of bus is a little more expensive and a little more comfortable but it comes at an additional cost. So you will find those using it earn more than those using the other buses.

Then there is the 3rd teir of bus, almost western standard, again costing more and used by those that can afford it.

Same too for the MRT and BTS, again a different class of passenger used by those who can afford it.

Now as an example I have 2 sister in-laws who live in the Klong San area of Bangkok (near the Hilton). They have never ever been on the Sky train, and would die of shock to have to pay 40 baht to go a few stations when they can get one of the buses you mention above for 1/10th the price.

[Codename B]

Setting up screen doors in crowded BTS stations.

Originally Posted by helmetman

วันนี้ขึ้นbtsกลับบ้านพอดีเอารูปมาช่วยแชร์ครับ

ประตูอยู่ฝั่งชานชลาที่ไปทางหมอชิตครับ

ข้างๆประตูน่าจะเป็นจออะไรซักอย่าง เอาไว้โฆษณาแน่เลย


ตรงเส้นเหลืองมีรูอะไรซักอย่างสามรู


ประตูอีกบานที่อยู่ข้างๆกัน


กองประตูที่เหลือที่ยังไม่ได้ติดตั้ง

Originally Posted by Th_jung

เพิ่มเติมครับ








เทสจอแล้ว - -

[Greanlightman]

Originally Posted by ajw373

You really don't quite understand the situation. In Bangkok there are different levels of bus used by different people in different economic situations. The ones you talk about are the ones that are generally used by the poorest in the country at a very cheap price. If it were to all be brought up to western standard then those that use it couldn't afford it. I seriously doubt that a tourist would want to go to these locations, and if they did then they could afford a taxi so no issue there.

The 2nd teir of bus is a little more expensive and a little more comfortable but it comes at an additional cost. So you will find those using it earn more than those using the other buses.

Then there is the 3rd teir of bus, almost western standard, again costing more and used by those that can afford it.

Same too for the MRT and BTS, again a different class of passenger used by those who can afford it.

Now as an example I have 2 sister in-laws who live in the Klong San area of Bangkok (near the Hilton). They have never ever been on the Sky train, and would die of shock to have to pay 40 baht to go a few stations when they can get one of the buses you mention above for 1/10th the price.

I use bus where there's no rail.
And the cheapest bus fare is THB6.50-8 while the modern buses fare is THB11-23. 1 bus line may have various kind of buses. Many Bangkok's commuter choose to ride depend on which is come first.

I think the problem is due to private bus companies which is numerous and difficult to force them to change.

However, there are some passengers travel from market to their place. It's going to be nightmare if someone carry fresh fishes or durians on AC bus.

[khoojyh]

Originally Posted by ajw373

You really don't quite understand the situation. In Bangkok there are different levels of bus used by different people in different economic situations. The ones you talk about are the ones that are generally used by the poorest in the country at a very cheap price. If it were to all be brought up to western standard then those that use it couldn't afford it. I seriously doubt that a tourist would want to go to these locations, and if they did then they could afford a taxi so no issue there.

The 2nd teir of bus is a little more expensive and a little more comfortable but it comes at an additional cost. So you will find those using it earn more than those using the other buses.

Then there is the 3rd teir of bus, almost western standard, again costing more and used by those that can afford it.

Same too for the MRT and BTS, again a different class of passenger used by those who can afford it.

Now as an example I have 2 sister in-laws who live in the Klong San area of Bangkok (near the Hilton). They have never ever been on the Sky train, and would die of shock to have to pay 40 baht to go a few stations when they can get one of the buses you mention above for 1/10th the price.

I see, thanks for the information, i really dont know the situation I saw that kind of very old bus is make up very high % in all kind of buses. I used to took a ride on it twice (just get in when I saw the bus that go to my location). Rest of days by bts and taxi.

I will not use the word "western standard" because some western country still using diesel non AC bus. Now i understand why old bus still operating in Bkk, meanwhile, if can not upgrade all buses to top class but atleast can make it safer? Stop properly, get in and down safely, it doesn't cost more or less.

How many bus companies running public bus service in Bkk city area?

[Codename B]

^

Right now they are in the process of buying new NGV buses.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thai transport ministry insists on procuring 3,500 gas buses
2012-02-07 18:52:13

BANGKOK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ministry of Transport disclosed that it would carry on with the purchase plan of 3,500 gas-fuelled buses for Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), state media INN reported on Tuesday.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport Chadchart Sittipun, the ministry will forge ahead with the BMTA's NGV bus procurement project.

Based on the study, the ministry will provide 3,506 NGV buses, consisting of 3,183 brand new buses and another 323 with modified engines.

The deputy minister said it was necessary that the purchase plan be implemented for the sake of the public, given as many as 3.2 million people travel by bus each day.

Currently, the project is under the consideration of the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board (NESDB). If the NESDB gives the nod to the project, it will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration during its next meeting.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/wo..._131396522.htm

[napoleon]

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/asiacam...n/photostream/

[khoojyh]

Originally Posted by Codename B

^

Right now they are in the process of buying new NGV buses.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thai transport ministry insists on procuring 3,500 gas buses
2012-02-07 18:52:13

BANGKOK, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ministry of Transport disclosed that it would carry on with the purchase plan of 3,500 gas-fuelled buses for Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), state media INN reported on Tuesday.

According to Deputy Minister of Transport Chadchart Sittipun, the ministry will forge ahead with the BMTA's NGV bus procurement project.

Based on the study, the ministry will provide 3,506 NGV buses, consisting of 3,183 brand new buses and another 323 with modified engines.

The deputy minister said it was necessary that the purchase plan be implemented for the sake of the public, given as many as 3.2 million people travel by bus each day.

Currently, the project is under the consideration of the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board (NESDB). If the NESDB gives the nod to the project, it will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration during its next meeting.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/wo..._131396522.htm

Good news, any time frame?

[ajw373]

Originally Posted by khoojyh

Good news, any time frame?

Don't get your hopes up. The buses you were taking about are for the most part private buses, these new buses are for the BMTA. Out of interest there are about 3500 BMTA buses and about the same again operated by private operators in Bangkok. This is not counting the baht buses and other vans etc that also do bus like service.

Additionally if you read the article it is a proposal that still needs to be submitted to the cabinet for approval. I would reckon if approved the numbers will be less and of course there is no time frame for when the buses will be delivered.

[Codename B]

The numbers of buses had already being lowered from 4000 buses. It was the most recent english news that I could find. In the thai news however, it says that it will be submitted to the cabinet this april.

The plan for the bus service is as follows:

1. Cutting 209 routes to 155 routes and lowering the average distance of 30 km to 25.7 km, making less waiting time for passengers.
   
   
2. Apply a common ticket system and setting up a GPS system.
   
   
3. Buying 3,506 NGV buses, consisting of 3,183 brand new buses and another 323 with modified engines.
   
   
4. Lowering the staff from 14,755 people to 9000 people in 3 years and approve a budget of 2,772.581 million baht for retiring before age.
   
   
5. Negotiate with Treasury debt to pay 7.6 billion baht of debt, while leaving some of the remaining debt to about one billion baht.
   
   
6. Providing a bus depot with support from the Department of Transportation to reduce costs.
   
   
7. Splitting the management of own vehicles and private vehicles and is expected that in the next 10 years, the profits will increase by 2,950 million baht.

They also found out that the number of sales decreased from the year 2001 with sales of 2.57 million tickets per day to 1.03 million tickets per day, which is caused by old vehicles. This results in people taking private vans and mass transportation instead.

The free bus scheme which will expire on 30 Apr 2012 is likely to be renewed to help people.

[khoojyh]

209 to 155 routes... Kinda a lot... It's also because of that routes are not making profit?

[Codename B]

Must be, as they expect that in 10 years, passengers will increase by 952 million people with an increase of 25,624 million baht in profits.

[Codename B]

Airport Rail Link



BTS Skytrain



MRT Subway