186 replies to this topic
ewansayang
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Posted 2010-08-26 13:28:15
 PatLogan, on 2010-08-26 13:25:08, said:
ewansayang, on 2010-08-26 13:12:58, said:
I agree with you on the 15baht fare for the 30km journey (with no train change). It's dirt cheap. In comparison, KLIA Transit 'commuter train' in Kuala Lumpur requires one to take a train to, say, Putrajaya (RM6+), then alight there, buy another ticket to KL Sentral (RM9+) and wait for another train (20 minutes) to save 50% of the RM35 express fare. That's for a journey of 75km. Therefore km-by-km, Suvarnabhumi's airport link is far cheaper. In Thailand it's state-run whereas in Kuala Lumpur, it's state-crony-run. :-D
Last time I checked people travelling on such a tight budget that they would do that to save RM15 on a trip to the airport were not taking the train, but the RM9 bus to LCCT 
Yeah, the bus would be a better option for budget-strapped travellers. But since we're still on the subject of taking the airport train...
Posted 2010-08-26 13:40:05
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that most of the bloviating blowhards that jumped on the bandwagon, condemming the new Airport Link hadn't even ridden on it yet.
Yesterday, I did and found it to be clean, (OK, the white cars do show dirt on the outside.)fast and efficient.
I took the local train (B15) both ways, starting and finishing at Rhamkhamhang Station. The platform was clean and well marked. There is a clock which tells when the next train will arrive: a nice touch.
The Express from Makkasan precedes the local and makes quite a "whoosh" as it speeds through the station.
The interior of the cars is very much like the MRT and BTS, parallel bench seats along both sides. They did shorten some of the benches at both ends of the car to allow space for baggage.
The doors do close "with authority", certainly a loud thud but guards were vigilant making sure nobody tried to squeeze in at the last second. The ride was quiet and smooth.
It was apparent that local residents living around the new stations close to the airport were already using the link as a way to get in and out of Bangkok.
My only real complaint is that just like the BTS, there are almost no DOWN escalators: 100 plus steps from the platform to the street is not fun on old knees such as mine, nor would I want to have to carry a heavy suitcase such a long way down.
dbman
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Posted 2010-08-26 13:42:42
powderpuff, on 2010-08-26 12:14:19, said:
I think it makes it cheap & easy for airport staff to get to work & not a lot else.
One wonders how many billion baht were raked off the top as kick-backs?
powderpuff - Is that a cb1000 I see?
Posted 2010-08-26 13:44:58
Is this the same Thailand that wants to hold the World Expo in 2020?
Posted 2010-08-26 13:44:59
dddave, on 2010-08-26 13:40:05, said:
My only real complaint is that just like the BTS, there are almost no DOWN escalators: 100 plus steps from the platform to the street is not fun on old knees such as mine, nor would I want to have to carry a heavy suitcase such a long way down.
You just gave me a very good reason not to try it. No way I carry my 20kg suitcase such a long way down...
Posted 2010-08-26 13:46:42
Where is it possible to find a MAP? A simple MAP of Bangkok with the EXACT locations of the station with exits.
I found this one on an American site.Not bad but too small and in Thai. http://img89.imagesh...46600361pu9.jpg
Also this site http://www.bangkokairporttrain.com/ very very poor. Probably not the official site. No map and the schedules are just blur pictures taken with a bad digital camera.
Posted 2010-08-26 13:47:23
I meant exactly what you meant ...... better to take taxi from airport,who wants to be stuck in makasan area during rush hours.
eeze, on 2010-08-26 11:38:17, said:
laurentbkk, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
I am not surprise at all but we have to give them time to re think about all details ,after all similar problems happened when they opened the new airport. But who are to be blame for such silly details ? I guess the architects who didn't think about luggage for travelers ( that's a joke knowing this is an airport link) . After all its still better , faster to take a taxi to the city center. Who want to be stuck in traffic after flying so long ?  :angry:
"After all its still better, faster to take a taxi to the city center"
Umm, so let me understand this. The "Airport Link" is not connected to the actual airport so you need to find transportation there. You wait for a train for an uncertain amount of time due to delays and such. When you arrive at the "downtown" station, you have to take a taxi to your final destination. This whole time you are carrying your luggage around, being accosted by touts trying to sell you things, and in the BKK heat.
Whereas myself, I'll walk out of the arrivals hall, jump in a taxi with my luggage, take the highway and arrive at my home on Sukhumvit for 220 baht plus 50 surcharge.
I'll take the second option thanks 
Posted 2010-08-26 13:50:33
pepi2005, on 2010-08-26 12:49:03, said:
It's like everything in Thailand: 85%.
Some great ideas for projects, events or improvements, but at the end, the responsible people stop thinking at ~ 85%, so almost nothing in this country is done really professional.
The Airport link would have been a great thing to have, but with these prices and the flaws in the actual way the connection is implemented, it's a 'luxury thing' (if someone has time and pays quite a lot given the time it takes and problems involved) to use these services. After giving it a try and experiencing the hassle, most people will just continue to use the taxis, I guess.
85%?? I think your being overly optimistic with that high of a figure.
Posted 2010-08-26 13:53:58
Mitker, on 2010-08-26 13:09:19, said:
Myaimistrue, on 2010-08-26 12:35:37, said:
Hey, if you don't like it, don't use it! Continue to take your taxis and leave more room for those of us who believe in public transportation.........it will be a much more comfortable and relaxing ride without your grumbling!
I will use it because I do believe in public transportation.
But sure, each time, I will think about all the wasted money  , where it went  , and what could have been done if used efficiently 
I agree with what u say
However I used it yesterday at 5pm to come in from the airport hauling 15kg bag...then got into BTS and was in Siam Square much quicker than any taxi at that time of day...it will work....some fine tuning to do but will get there and be a great asset to those who travel further than a bar stool
#60
jfchandler
Posted 2010-08-26 13:59:27
WOW!!!!
What's amazing to me, more than the obvious problems with the ARL, is that the original post in this thread was written by a THAI author in a mainstream Thai publication -- not by all of us whining farangs.... (Webfact just posts the news accounts, he doesn't write or control them).
Everything pretty much called out in the OP are things all of us have recognized... But to have a Thai writer banging on it so forcefully, I thought I was dreaming!!!
Posted 2010-08-26 14:02:00
A very inaccurate article, a bit surprised that it's not only been posted on this site, but also emailed round to the whole member database. Some examples:
webfact, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
Despite its name, the Airport Rail Link isn't actually connected to any airport.
Yes it is - it's connected to the ground floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
webfact, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
What’s worse, the station does not even connect with a BTS station which is just a short distance away.
There is a bridge linking the terminal station with Phaya Thai BTS station.
webfact, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
Whoever is thinking about boarding the Airport Link train at the Makasan Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport should give it a second thought, because they could miss their flights. If anything, using the motorway could be a better choice.
I can't imagine that anywhere in Bangkok will travelling by road be quicker than by elevated train, especially given the traffic problems at Makkasan mentioned above. Why would anyone near Makkasan station choose to go by road rather than train if time is an issue?
webfact, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
Moreover, travelers are not safe from hassles when they travel via the rail link to the international airport. They have to heave their luggages upstairs from the train station in order to check in at the airline counters on the forth floors.
No-one will have to heave their bags up stairs, there are lifts and escalators from the train station level up to the check-in level.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:02:23
Myaimistrue, on 2010-08-26 12:35:37, said:
Hey, if you don't like it, don't use it! Continue to take your taxis and leave more room for those of us who believe in public transportation.........it will be a much more comfortable and relaxing ride without your grumbling!
Any tips for a flyer coming in a few days? I really want to try it, but need to get to Sukumvit asap...no luggage to speak of:) thx.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:08:11
Crash999, on 2010-08-26 12:27:04, said:
The airport train in Shanghai suffers from a similar issue- it's less of a hassle, and not much more cost, to take a car directly from the airport to one's hotel or home .... But let's see how it goes. I remember when the Skytrain first opened there was massive criticism saying it was too expensive for Thais to use, not convenient, the stations were a pain, and it'd take many years to break even. Bit by bit escalators were added, walkways were built and connected to buildings, and improvements were made that made the Skytrain an indispensable part of Bangkok daily life. The airport link isn't going anywhere and over time I suspect will be the same.
Good one there, Crash999. It's just what i think too. Thailand has its own way of doing things, let's just look positively at them. They may not meet too high standards. Who does consistently anyway ? Look at the warts that are present in every country. There will never be any end to criticisms. But, boy, don't the Thais make up for it all with their smiles, and the never-ending happiness they give visitors. It's why legions of us keep coming back over and over again.
The train link will be improved over time, it's here to stay, it's an essential part of the transport network. And like everything else in Thailand it will soon be jai-dee.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:08:38
Myaimistrue, on 2010-08-26 12:35:37, said:
Hey, if you don't like it, don't use it! Continue to take your taxis and leave more room for those of us who believe in public transportation.........it will be a much more comfortable and relaxing ride without your grumbling!
Very good...Spot on...Tu ton khap!!!
Posted 2010-08-26 14:18:16
dantilley, on 2010-08-26 14:02:00, said:
A very inaccurate article, a bit surprised that it's not only been posted on this site, but also emailed round to the whole member database .....
No-one will have to heave their bags up stairs, there are lifts and escalators from the train station level up to the check-in level.
Dantilley, thanks a million. I have not yet seen the rail link or its infrastructure, but your post rings real true to me. I am inclined to believe what you say. Thanks.
We should have more such posts calling the bluff of false propaganda
Posted 2010-08-26 14:18:21
Crash999, on 2010-08-26 12:27:04, said:
The airport train in Shanghai suffers from a similar issue- it's less of a hassle, and not much more cost, to take a car directly from the airport to one's hotel or home. And in Shanghai they have the added novelty of the train being a Maglev.
But let's see how it goes. I remember when the Skytrain first opened there was massive criticism saying it was too expensive for Thais to use, not convenient, the stations were a pain, and it'd take many years to break even. Bit by bit escalators were added, walkways were built and connected to buildings, and improvements were made that made the Skytrain an indispensable part of Bangkok daily life. The airport link isn't going anywhere and over time I suspect will be the same.
Totally agree. There was always going to be teething problems with this. Unfortunately, being in Bangkok, any problems will always come with the tag of corruption, of which i am sure there was a lot!
Most major construction projects like this, especially those in the public sector, have issues on opening. You are never going to please 100% of customers, 100% of the time, impossible.
However, having said that, a simple A to B should really be a little easier to construct and operate than this has proven to be (4 years behind schedule for a start!). There should be many red faces on those who were involved. I have been told that at the Paya Thai terminus there will be an on-off taxi rank outside the top floor of the structure to take people on to their final destination. Has anybody else heard this?
And finally, wasn't there a post on here a few days ago regarding another 62 billion Baht investment for Swampy? Perhaps this investment is to put right these issues! Hmmmm......
Posted 2010-08-26 14:18:36
What a complete load of cock. The author of that "article" gets so much factually incorrect that it's laughable. And then all the usual bashers on here chime in with "I knew it!", "Of course it doesn't work, this is Thailand!", etc etc. Try riding on the thing then come back and post. Lets take a look at some of the inaccuracies. ("Inaccuracies" is being kind. "Lies" would be closer to the term I'm looking for.)
Despite its name, the Airport Rail Link isn't actually connected to any airport.
Er, yes it is. It is connected to Suvarnabhumi airport. I thought that was the whole point, no?
What's worse, the station does not even connect with a BTS station which is just a short distance away.
Er, yes it does. It connects directly to Phaya Thai station.
Anyone who has been to Makkasan Station must have been upset about its poor condition that does not reflect the enormous investment put in. I cannot explain exactly how it looks. You've got to see it with your own eyes. Compared with Hong Kong's Airport Rail Link, the difference are like heaven and hel_l.
Well, yes, it isn't finished yet. They say it will be fully functional at the end of the year. I think it looks quite imressive and when it is full of people, check-in counters, shops etc it will look better. Now it is an empty shell so how can you compare it with HK's system?
Whoever is thinking about boarding the Airport Link train at the Makasan Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport should give it a second thought, because they could miss their flights.
Well this is just a ridiculous statement. The express train from there takes just under 15 minutes direct to the terminal building. Ok, they only leave every 30 minutes, so even at the worst case scenario from turning up at Makkasan you are guaranteed to be at the airport within 45 minutes, usually much less. If that causes you to miss your flight then you are an idiot.
The high-speed trains, though, do not look as new as they should. In fact, they look as if they had been bought at a clearance sale.
I haven't tried the City Line, but I have used the Express Line twice and the trains are modern and very very clean. This is Thailand where everything is constantly cleaned. After the train arrives cleaners enter it and clean it before it leaves again. There were a team of cleaners at the station constantly cleaning and polishing, just as they are on the BTS which still looks clean after nearly 11 years. I have no idea where the author gets this opinion from.
Seriously people, you look like idiotic sheep condemning something you obviously haven't tried. It is a good service. There is room for improvement but that will come - it's been open four days.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:22:36
dantilley, on 2010-08-26 14:02:00, said:
A very inaccurate article, a bit surprised that it's not only been posted on this site, but also emailed round to the whole member database. Some examples:
..................
Nice one Dantilly, you must have been writing this at the same time I was writing mine. Almost the same post!!
Posted 2010-08-26 14:22:41
Sawati
Yesterday i went Makkasan-airport-Payathai...no problem.Some things need to be added or improved,the poyect is not finished so dont jump the gun.Chachanoi...pao pao.Hold your horses!!!
Sanuk
Posted 2010-08-26 14:25:33
eeze, on 2010-08-26 11:38:17, said:
laurentbkk, on 2010-08-26 11:07:57, said:
I am not surprise at all but we have to give them time to re think about all details ,after all similar problems happened when they opened the new airport. But who are to be blame for such silly details ? I guess the architects who didn't think about luggage for travelers ( that's a joke knowing this is an airport link) . After all its still better , faster to take a taxi to the city center. Who want to be stuck in traffic after flying so long ? :angry:
"After all its still better, faster to take a taxi to the city center"
Umm, so let me understand this. The "Airport Link" is not connected to the actual airport so you need to find transportation there. You wait for a train for an uncertain amount of time due to delays and such. When you arrive at the "downtown" station, you have to take a taxi to your final destination. This whole time you are carrying your luggage around, being accosted by touts trying to sell you things, and in the BKK heat.
Whereas myself, I'll walk out of the arrivals hall, jump in a taxi with my luggage, take the highway and arrive at my home on Sukhumvit for 220 baht plus 50 surcharge.
I'll take the second option thanks
Instead of paying 50Baht surcharge walk up to where the taxis drop of passangers and take one of the taxis there.
The airport link IS connected to the airport, it has to be, just it was originally planned to connect the 2 airports but now only connects one with a super busy area of bkk.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:28:40
Taxi....oh taxi!
Posted 2010-08-26 14:29:21
Crash999, on 2010-08-26 12:27:04, said:
The airport train in Shanghai suffers from a similar issue- it's less of a hassle, and not much more cost, to take a car directly from the airport to one's hotel or home. And in Shanghai they have the added novelty of the train being a Maglev.
But let's see how it goes. I remember when the Skytrain first opened there was massive criticism saying it was too expensive for Thais to use, not convenient, the stations were a pain, and it'd take many years to break even. Bit by bit escalators were added, walkways were built and connected to buildings, and improvements were made that made the Skytrain an indispensable part of Bangkok daily life. The airport link isn't going anywhere and over time I suspect will be the same.
Thanks for the reminder. There's tonnes of valid criticism regarding this airport link, but I think its intention is to serve incoming (and outgoing) business travellers over residents, hence the location. The Phaya Thai link has already been pointed out, and my guess it the Petchaburi MRT will eventually be extended somehow underground to link to the Makkasan station.
Just another one of many gradual improvements to the city.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:31:28
eeze, on 2010-08-26 11:38:17, said:
Whereas myself, I'll walk out of the arrivals hall, jump in a taxi with my luggage, take the highway and arrive at my home on Sukhumvit for 220 baht plus 50 surcharge.
I'll take the second option thanks
You know if you go up to the departures section on the topmost part of the airport, you can get a taxi without having to pay the surcharge...
Posted 2010-08-26 14:32:03
I've never seen such pathetic nonsense in my life. The writer has no clue what he's talking about.
Of course the "Airport Link" connects downtown with the airport. It terminates in the new station on Level M at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Connecting BKK and DMK was never intended.
No one is paying "full fare" right now. The Airport Express non-stop service to Makkasan costs 100 baht and the City Line commuter service to Phay Thai, stopping at every station, costs 15 baht. These are introductory prices.
There is a ramp between the Airport Link Station and the BTS station at Phaya Thai. A walkway from Makkasan City Air Terminal to Petchaburi MRT station is in the works.
Most traffic on the line will be commuters from Bangkok's eastern suburbs. The train line will improve the lives of millions of people.
The traffic situation at Makkasan is a problem that can be resolved. The baggage system will be in operation in a few months.
Posted 2010-08-26 14:32:25
josephbloggs,
Here's another thumbs-up from me for another believable post here. I loved that "idiot" bit.
At last, some credible posts surfacing here.
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