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[lifedrainer]

It seems that we might have a surprise with the Queen's birthday next month and that perhaps some changes will occur with the airport link....

[trawler]

Ok all looks super,but for me nd missus going to mid Suhkumvit its 300TB on the airport link and another 60-90 in a taxi to our condo from Makkasan plus time in traffic,so getting in a taxi at the apt nd getting out again at condo entrance with all our bags nd not feeling sweaty or tired is definately worth it and I suggest to you all not any more expensive than taking apt express line...........

[Lakegeneve]

tw25rw, on 2010-06-27 02:08:34, said:

lomatopo, on 2010-06-25 17:59:10, said:

CNF55, on 2010-06-25 09:26:04, said:

tw25rw, on 2010-06-25 09:11:24, said:

I just got to my hotel at 9am having arrived at BKK around 6. The airport train was ok. Made a few stops. But once at Phayatai the fun ended. The BTS trains were packed solid, which meant going north to Mor Chit then changing platform to go out to Prakanong. Cost was 40 baht in total, but next time I'll take a taxi, even if it costs 400.

Sorry, can't quite follow the route you took.

Prakanong = Suk 71 - right? So from the airport you went all the way to Phaya Thai, then north to Mor Chit - just to go like half way back towards the airport?

What am I missing?

At Phaya Thai the train bound for On Nut was full so he had to go down/up to the other platform where a train bound for Mo Chit was relatively empty, then at Mo Chit crossed back to get on a train bound for On Nut, which at the terminus had some room. I agree it was a round-about journey.

Again, the BTS and MRT are not really designed for airline passengers toting more than a briefcase. On the SARL they'll have to limit bags on the City Line trains as there will be no room for commuters at the local stations.

You got it.. Trains going the right way from Phayathai were packed solid. I let 3 go as there was no way on, even with my small case. At Mor Chit, there was a constant flow of people onto the platform. So by the time each train arrived, the platform was full. I went to Phayathai so I could get the BTS and not have to mess around with connections and get to see the city as I've not been for more than a year. Next time, I'll get a taxi from Ramkhamhaeng.. And hopefully the BTS will buy some new rolling stock as the 3 car trains are just too short or the number of people travelling.

Getting off at Ramkhamhaeng and catching a taxi would have been much quicker and easier giving you time to do the sight seeing later. As you say next time......

On the new rolling stock , BTS has purchased 12 sets of 4 car trains (http://www.bts.co.th...ws/newTrain.pdf) from chinese trainmaker CNR and most have now been delivered (they were originally meant ot enter into service at the start of 2009 but hey 18 months late is not so bad).

However, they need to be tested (some expect realiability may be a prob) and will only be used on the Silom line.

[Lakegeneve]

lifedrainer, on 2010-07-08 18:38:19, said:

It seems that we might have a surprise with the Queen's birthday next month and that perhaps some changes will occur with the airport link....

This is very cryptic?! Not sure what surprise you mean? Commencing full services is hardly going to be a surprise. If they could commence full service along with the CAT check-in service now that would be a surprise.


Umm, everyone expected the ARL to commence full services on 12 Aug as is the usual practice (esp since they announced 12/08/09 and then 05/12/09 and previous opening dates but missed those) but the SRT and MOT have announced 23 Aug.

[Lakegeneve]

trawler, on 2010-07-09 20:58:41, said:

Ok all looks super,but for me nd missus going to mid Suhkumvit its 300TB on the airport link and another 60-90 in a taxi to our condo from Makkasan plus time in traffic,so getting in a taxi at the apt nd getting out again at condo entrance with all our bags nd not feeling sweaty or tired is definately worth it and I suggest to you all not any more expensive than taking apt express line...........

I agree with you and this has been one of the issues for the SRT and operator. The Airport Link and Makkasan (CAT) is just not going to attract most people heading to/from the airport until there are a few other mass transit lines around BKK and that is 5 years away. (The Makkasan rail land is going to be developed  with many office and residential buildings but that is a decade away - 1 plan 5 years ago had 4 100 plus storey buildings being built!!).

For most travellers it is not going to be more cost effective and will only really save time when traffic is really bad to/from the airport (morning/afternoon peak or when it rains heavily). Especially if one is travelling with heavy luggage. If you reside or are staying adjacent to an MRT station or BTS station then it may be a convenient service.
For workers at the airport area they already have cheaper bus and van options which are located closer to the residence.

The Cityline is cost effective and will attract many pax as a defacto metro line for the growing eastern corridor esp for those going Ramkhamhaeng and Hua Mark way. However, to take the Express to/from Makkasan at 150 baht is rarely going to be cheaper or less hassle than a taxi door to door. Even once the check-in facilities are operating at the CAT it will hardly be a great added benefit (as opposed to Hong Kong Station).

That is why the SRT and operator have been looking at an initial price of 100 baht for the first 6-12 months for the Express Service once full operations commence from 23 August..

However, the SRT Governor has just announced a very cheap fare structure for the first year of operations which will ensure heavy usuage;

1. The Express Line will have a fare of 50 baht for the first year of operations,
(Every 15 mins and journey time of 15 mins)

2. The City Line will have a fare of 10 baht for 1-7 stations and 20 baht between Phayathai and the Airport for the 1st year of operations.
(Every 20 mins and journey time of 28 - 30 mins)

Both will operate from 5am until 1am.
http://www.prachacha...&day=2010-07-12

If anyone lived near Ratchapraprop Station in Pratunam or Ramkhamheang station you could travel to/from the Airport for 10 baht!

Edited by Lakegeneve, 2010-07-12 16:27:28.

[lomatopo]

Lakegeneve, on 2010-07-12 16:26:24, said:

However, the SRT Governor has just announced a very cheap fare structure for the first year of operations which will ensure heavy usuage;

1. The Express Line will have a fare of 50 baht for the first year of operations,
(Every 15 mins and journey time of 15 mins)

2. The City Line will have a fare of 10 baht for 1-7 stations and 20 baht between Phayathai and the Airport for the 1st year of operations.
(Every 20 mins and journey time of 28 - 30 mins)

Both will operate from 5am until 1am.
http://www.prachacha...&day=2010-07-12

If anyone lived near Ratchapraprop Station in Pratunam or Ramkhamheang station you could travel to/from the Airport for 10 baht!

This schedule, operating hours and pricing, if accurate, seems ideal, better than I had hoped for. Now I just hope the signalling system works as that's a lot of trains rolling.

The City Line trains will be packed.

Edited by lomatopo, 2010-07-13 06:40:48.

[Zoowatch]

^^ the above promotional fare information is correct.  the city line train will sure become quite packed at 10 or 20 baht.  one caveat is that the city line train only allow cabin-size hand luggage.

The train will not operate 24-hours though (like some airport links elsewhere)... last trains depart at about after midnight.

Edited by Zoowatch, 2010-07-20 05:28:11.

[junkofdavid2]

Any update on the Airport Rail Link?

Has anyone taken it lately?

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?
2) What time does it close? (my flight is at 12 midnight, so I have to be at airport by 10pm)
3) Any English language official website of the link?  I can't seem to Google it.

Edited by junkofdavid2, 2010-07-25 14:13:33.

[Lakegeneve]

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

Any update on the Airport Rail Link?

Has anyone taken it lately?

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?
2) What time does it close? (my flight is at 12 midnight, so I have to be at airport by 10pm)
3) Any English language official website of the link?  I can't seem to Google it.

It is still runnning as per the above info - lots of pax.

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.
2) If you have read the thread, the current operating times are clear. If your flight if after 23 Aug, you will be ok.
3) The SRT and operator are still yet to have their site operating to my understanding, probably in the week before full services start it will come online?? There is a Siemens site with technical info , the SRT has had a page link to their main site but the info is dated and not helpful.

[Lakegeneve]

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

Any update on the Airport Rail Link?

Has anyone taken it lately?

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?
2) What time does it close? (my flight is at 12 midnight, so I have to be at airport by 10pm)
3) Any English language official website of the link?  I can't seem to Google it.

It is still runnning as per the above info - lots of pax.

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.
2) If you have read the thread, the current operating times are clear. If your flight if after 23 Aug, you will be ok.
3) The SRT and operator are still yet to have their site operating to my understanding, probably in the week before full services start it will come online?? There is a Siemens site with technical info , the SRT has had a page link to their main site but the info is dated and not helpful.

[Lakegeneve]

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

Any update on the Airport Rail Link?

Has anyone taken it lately?

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?
2) What time does it close? (my flight is at 12 midnight, so I have to be at airport by 10pm)
3) Any English language official website of the link?  I can't seem to Google it.

It is still runnning as per the above info - lots of pax.

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.
2) If you have read the thread, the current operating times are still current. If your flight if after 23 Aug, you will be ok.
3) The SRT & operator are still yet up and running, probably in the week before full services start it will come online?? There is a Siemens site with technical info , the SRT has had a page link to their main site but the info is dated and not helpful.

Edited by Lakegeneve, 2010-07-25 15:46:39.

[frankthetank]

Lakegeneve, on 2010-07-25 15:43:53, said:

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

Any update on the Airport Rail Link?

Has anyone taken it lately?

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?
2) What time does it close? (my flight is at 12 midnight, so I have to be at airport by 10pm)
3) Any English language official website of the link?  I can't seem to Google it.

It is still runnning as per the above info - lots of pax.

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.
2) If you have read the thread, the current operating times are still current. If your flight if after 23 Aug, you will be ok.
3) The SRT & operator are still yet up and running, probably in the week before full services start it will come online?? There is a Siemens site with technical info , the SRT has had a page link to their main site but the info is dated and not helpful.

Just curious......vibrating finger???

[junkofdavid2]

Thanks for the update... appreciate it.

Looks like I won't be able to use the link unless I'm willing to leave for the airport 3 hours early..

[lomatopo]

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?

Lakegeneve, on 2010-07-25 15:25:20, said:

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.

Work on the connecting ramp has begun, it looks like most of the supporting structure is in place. As Lakegeneve points out, this ramp allows entrance/exit for passengers on the mezzanine level, "trainside" so ticket barriers, ticket booths and ticket machines will have to be installed. Not sure where there going to fit them? So this will take quite a while I imagine.  It probably would have been better to direct passengers to either or both of the existing ticket lobbies via walkways?

Unless I'm missing something this will be a point of congestion resulting in long waits in both directions. Also airline passengers will somehow have to be discouraged from using the City Line trains as there will not be any room for bags.

[Lakegeneve]

lomatopo, on 2010-07-29 07:12:46, said:

junkofdavid2, on 2010-07-25 14:03:57, said:

1) Is there a bridge from Phayathai BTS station to the Airport Link station?

Lakegeneve, on 2010-07-25 15:25:20, said:

1) It is being built quite quickly but will be finished a few weeks after the opening ones suspects ...or at least the BTS ticket barriers will be installed late.

Work on the connecting ramp has begun, it looks like most of the supporting structure is in place. As Lakegeneve points out, this ramp allows entrance/exit for passengers on the mezzanine level, "trainside" so ticket barriers, ticket booths and ticket machines will have to be installed. Not sure where there going to fit them? So this will take quite a while I imagine.  It probably would have been better to direct passengers to either or both of the existing ticket lobbies via walkways?

Unless I'm missing something this will be a point of congestion resulting in long waits in both directions. Also airline passengers will somehow have to be discouraged from using the City Line trains as there will not be any room for bags.

I think that there is ample room for the gates, tcket machines and a change booth as the ramp from the SRT Phaya Thai station is really quite wide with ample room, certainly much more than exisits at BTS Asoke with the interchange with the MRT which is a mess duriong peak hours. I assume that the BTS gates will be installed on the connecting ramp itself with the ticket machines/change booth installed on the SRT station ramp.

The connecting structure frame is nearly  complete with the floor and roof to be installed. Probably, this will be complete immediately on the 23rd but I still cannot see BTS gates, ticket machines etc being installed until later.

[Lakegeneve]

The SRT has expanded the times of the free trial period as of this week until the 23rd to the following;

6am to 10am and 4pm to 9pm, still M-F only.
(When the trail commenced in June services on Public Holidays were also excluded but I have no idea about operations for the next 2 days)

[theoldgit]

Lakegeneve, on 2010-08-11 12:41:59, said:

The SRT has expanded the times of the free trial period as of this week until the 23rd to the following;

6am to 10am and 4pm to 9pm, still M-F only.  

That's intersting because I certainly saw trains running last weekend and I noticed trains running at 23.00 last night, there were certainly lights on in the carriages but my eyes are not good enough to confirm if there were any passengers on board, so they could well just be training runs.

Edited by theoldgit, 2010-08-11 12:57:33.

[Lakegeneve]

theoldgit, on 2010-08-11 12:57:09, said:

Lakegeneve, on 2010-08-11 12:41:59, said:

The SRT has expanded the times of the free trial period as of this week until the 23rd to the following;

6am to 10am and 4pm to 9pm, still M-F only.  

That's intersting because I certainly saw trains running last weekend and I noticed trains running at 23.00 last night, there were certainly lights on in the carriages but my eyes are not good enough to confirm if there were any passengers on board, so they could well just be training runs.

Yes I have seen the same in the last 2 weeks. At a rooftop party the other wk, I saw 5 trains between 1am & 2am and also last week a couple of other times all late at night. Undertaking test runs before full services I assume....

.....either that or some children near the depot are doing a bit of late night joy riding!

[hhgz]

"...I still cannot see...ticket machines...being  installed until later..."

The ticket machines have already been installed, and are inside of the SARL terminal.  They will not install additional ticket machines in the BTS station.

[Lakegeneve]

hhgz, on 2010-08-12 17:38:52, said:

"...I still cannot see...ticket machines...being  installed until later..."

The ticket machines have already been installed, and are inside of the SARL terminal.  They will not install additional ticket machines in the BTS station.

I think that you may have misunderstood the discussion, it  has been regarding the BTS gates and tickets (Not SRT) for the link being built between both Phaya Thai stations.

The connection/interchange link currently being built between the SRT station and the BTS station will connect directly into the ticketed area of the BTS station. Accordingly, BTS ticket gates will need to be installed for people exiting/entering the station. BTS ticket issuing machines and probably a change booth will need to be also installed so people comeing from the SRT station can purchase a ticket.
(That is of course unless BTSC wants to allow everyone who uses the new connection to enter Phaya Thai station for free and without a ticket!)

[hhgz]

The SARL station has ticket machines, and entrance and exit gates, within the SARL station.  If you use the BTS system, and want to leave the BTS and use the SARL: you exit the BTS station, buy a ticket for the SARL, and then enter the SARL system through the SARL entrance gates.  If you've used the SARL system and want to use the BTS system: you exit the SARL system, using the SARL ticket and exit gates.  You then enter the BTS station, use the GTS ticket, and go through the BTS entrance gates.

[lomatopo]

hhgz, on 2010-08-15 18:20:33, said:

The SARL station has ticket machines, and entrance and exit gates, within the SARL station.  If you use the BTS system, and want to leave the BTS and use the SARL: you exit the BTS station, buy a ticket for the SARL, and then enter the SARL system through the SARL entrance gates.  If you've used the SARL system and want to use the BTS system: you exit the SARL system, using the SARL ticket and exit gates.  You then enter the BTS station, use the GTS ticket, and go through the BTS entrance gates.

You still seem to misunderstand the discussion. The connecting ramp being built connects behind the two existing BTS ticketing lobbies (so called "trainside" vs. "landside") on the mezzanine level, one level below the BTS train platforms. People in this area have already entered the BTS gates here, or have arrived and have yet to exit. Hence the need to build ingress/egress BTS gates (change booths, automated ticket machines, etc.) somewhere on the ramp. Passengers could of course go to down to the street level, go north or south and then back up to one of the two existing BTS ticket lobbies.

We all acknowledge that the SARL/City Line has already installed ticketing booths, and entrance/exit gates in the terminus station at Phaya Thai.

[mjperry]

There is another possibility, although perhaps a remote one, that they are planning to allow use of this ramp when the single BTS/MRT/SARL ticket comes into effect, meaning they would not need ticket barriers installed here. I had heard that with the addition of SARL the single ticket plan was close to completion. Just thinking out of the box here

Martin

[lomatopo]

mjperry, on 2010-08-16 10:38:56, said:

There is another possibility, although perhaps a remote one, that they are planning to allow use of this ramp when the single BTS/MRT/SARL ticket comes into effect, meaning they would not need ticket barriers installed here. I had heard that with the addition of SARL the single ticket plan was close to completion. Just thinking out of the box here

Martin

That's not a possibility. You need ticket barriers. Even when (if) a universal stored value RFID card is available, you will have to use to to exit the SARL/CityLine station at Phaya Thai and then use it again to enter the BTS station.

In any event work on the new entrance/exit is progressing. They are building a new lobby on the mezzanine level inside the BTS station. The ticket gates are already in place so they may make that 23 August deadline after all!

[wpcoe]

Lakegeneve, on 2010-08-11 12:41:59, said:

The SRT has expanded the times of the free trial period as of this week until the 23rd to the following;
6am to 10am and 4pm to 9pm, still M-F only.
(When the trail commenced in June services on Public Holidays were also excluded but I have no idea about operations for the next 2 days)

So, it's currently still operating only on the limited test schedule?  I had thought (or maybe just hoped) that the full schedule would begin on the Queen's Birthday (Aug 12.)

I'm planning a day-trip to Bangkok to get my US Embassy letter for my retirement extension and do some shopping, and wanted to try taking an airport bus from Jomtien to the airport and then the train into Bangkok city. The limited operating hours of the test schedule require quite an early departure from Jomtien.

Is it still free on the limited test schedule?