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Showing results for tags 'mass transport'.
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BTS, Airport Line, MRT & BRT - new metro lines
LakeGeneve posted a topic in Politics & Social Issues
Finally, the BRT (Bus Rapid Trasit) commenced a free trial period on Sat with regular services. The free trial period lasts until end of Aug. Thereafter it will cost 10 baht until full fares are introduced in the new year. It runs from Sathorn down Nathiwat, Rama 3, across BKK bridge, Ratchapisek, past the Mall on to Ratchpruek where it will link again with the BTS There are a number of teething problems including vehicles & motorbikes using the dedicated bus only lane - what a surprise! - and some points along the route are bootlenecks where the bus merges with general traffic. The drivers are also not familiarised in stopping at platforms. Funded by the BMA with BTS given a contract to run the thing. The BRT was originally scheduled to commence operations in 07. 4 other lines are planned for the next 5 yrs with Mo Chit to Chaeng Wattana being the next. (In the time it has taken Bangkok to consider (started 2003), approve (2005), contract and build 1 BRT line, Jakarta has gone ahead and built 10 lines with 8 running - the other 2 will open shortly). The SRT ARL (Airport Rapid Line) will begin a free trial period with a schedule commencing 1 June. (Unlike previous trial runs since last Aug which have been ad hoc). It will run between Phayathai station and the airport only between the hours of 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 7pm (long lunch and nap break for the drivers :wink: ). It will run according to the following schedule; Depart from Phyathai Station Morning: 0700, 0720, 0740, 0800, 0820, 0840, 0900, 0920, 0940, 1000 Afternoon: 1600, 1620, 1640, 1700, 1720, 1740, 1800, 1820, 1840, 1900 Depart from Suvannabhum Station Morning: 0710, 0730, 0750, 0810, 0830, 0850, 0910, 0930, 0950, Afternoon: 1610, 1630, 1710, 1730, 1750, 1810, 1830, 1850, 1900 From 16 June, services will also stop at Hua Mark and Ram Khamhaeng stations. The CAT (City Air Terminal) is complete but planned check in facilities (similar to HKs Central station) will most likely not be installed until next year. Full operations will hopefully commence from 12 August. Note: once ticketing begins it will be a stand alone system that will not be intergrated with the BTS or MRT systems. That may come in a few years. (The ARL was originally due to open in Dec 07!) Get on board and give both a try.