The BTS Skytrain is a popular rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. It is operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC). The system provides a convenient and efficient way for people to travel around the city, particularly in congested areas.
The BTS Skytrain consists of two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. The Sukhumvit Line runs from Mo Chit Station in the north to Bearing Station in the southeast, with a total length of approximately 30 kilometers. The Silom Line runs from National Stadium Station in the west to Bang Wa Station in the southwest, covering a distance of about 20 kilometers.
The BTS Skytrain serves many major attractions and areas of interest in Bangkok, including popular shopping centers, entertainment districts, and business hubs. Some notable stations along the lines include Siam Station, which connects to Siam Paragon and other shopping malls, Asok Station, which is close to Terminal 21 shopping mall and the interchange with the MRT subway system, and Sala Daeng Station, located near the bustling Silom Road.
The BTS Skytrain operates from around 6 am to midnight daily, and trains typically arrive at stations every few minutes during peak hours. The system uses a contactless smart card, called the Rabbit Card, for fare payments, although single-use tickets are also available.
Overall, the BTS Skytrain is a convenient and reliable mode of transportation in Bangkok, offering a way to bypass the city's notorious traffic congestion and reach various destinations efficiently.
The stations of the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok generally have a similar layout and features. Here is a typical station layout:
Entrance and Ticketing Area: The station entrance is usually located at street level or within a shopping center or building. There are gates or turnstiles where passengers enter and exit the station. Ticket vending machines or ticket counters are available for purchasing or recharging fare cards.
Concourse Level: After passing through the gates, passengers reach the concourse level. Here, there are usually additional ticket vending machines, information boards, and staffed customer service counters. There may also be shops, convenience stores, or small kiosks selling snacks or beverages.
Platform Level: Staircases, escalators, or elevators lead down from the concourse level to the platform level. The platform is where passengers wait for the trains to arrive. The platforms are typically covered and have platform screen doors for safety. They are marked with indicators showing the direction of train travel and the next station.
Train Boarding: When the train arrives, passengers line up along the platform and wait for the doors to open. The doors of the BTS trains are automatic, and they align with the platform doors for easy boarding and disembarking.
Passenger Amenities: Most BTS stations have various amenities for passengers, such as seating areas, restrooms, and facilities for people with disabilities. Some larger stations may also have additional features like shopping arcades, food courts, or direct access to nearby shopping centers or office buildings.
It's important to note that while the general layout is consistent across BTS stations, there may be variations in architectural design and specific features from station to station. Additionally, new stations or future expansions of the BTS network may introduce different layouts or features.
The BTS Skytrain in Bangkok uses a ticketing system that allows passengers to pay for their rides conveniently. Here are the main aspects of ticketing for the BTS Skytrain:
Fare Cards: The primary method of payment is through contactless smart cards, such as the Rabbit Card. These cards can be purchased at BTS stations and can be recharged with a desired amount of money. The Rabbit Card can also be used for other modes of transportation in Bangkok, including buses and some taxis.
Single-Use Tickets: If you prefer not to use a fare card, single-use tickets are available at ticket vending machines located in the stations. These tickets are valid for one journey only and need to be inserted into the ticket gates upon entering and exiting the station.
Fare Calculation: The fare for each BTS Skytrain journey is based on the distance traveled. The fare is automatically deducted from the fare card or calculated based on the single-use ticket inserted into the ticket gates.
Ticketing Process: To enter the BTS Skytrain system, passengers need to tap their fare cards or insert their single-use tickets into the ticket gates. Upon exiting the system at their destination station, passengers need to go through the ticket gates again, where the fare is calculated and deducted from the card or ticket.
Fare Zones: The BTS Skytrain system is divided into different fare zones based on the distance traveled. The fare is higher for longer distances. The fare gates are equipped with distance sensors that determine the appropriate fare based on the entry and exit points.
It's worth noting that the specific details of the ticketing system, including fares, may be subject to change over time. It's advisable to check the latest information from official sources or the BTS Skytrain's website for the most up-to-date ticketing details.
The BTS Skytrain network in Bangkok consists of two main lines: the Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) and the Silom Line (Dark Green Line). These lines cover various parts of the city and connect several major areas and attractions. Here is an overview of the BTS network:
- Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line): The Sukhumvit Line runs from north to southeast, covering a distance of approximately 30 kilometers. It starts at Mo Chit Station near Chatuchak Park and extends all the way to Bearing Station. The Sukhumvit Line passes through prominent areas such as Victory Monument, Phaya Thai (connects to the Airport Rail Link), Siam (interchange station with the Silom Line), Asok (interchange station with the MRT subway's Blue Line), and Ekkamai. It also serves popular shopping centers like Siam Paragon, Terminal 21, and Emporium.
- Silom Line (Dark Green Line): The Silom Line runs from west to southwest, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers. It starts at National Stadium Station near the MBK Center and extends to Bang Wa Station. The Silom Line passes through significant locations such as Sala Daeng (which connects to the MRT subway's Blue Line), Chong Nonsi, and Surasak. It is convenient for accessing areas like Silom Road, Sathorn, and the Sathorn Pier for river transportation.
- Interchange Stations: There are three interchange stations where the Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line intersect, allowing passengers to transfer between the two lines. These interchange stations are Siam Station (interchange with the Sukhumvit Line), Sala Daeng Station (interchange with the Sukhumvit Line), and Asok Station (interchange with the Silom Line).
It's important to note that the BTS Skytrain network continues to evolve and expand. There may be future extensions, new lines, or additional stations added beyond the scope of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It's always recommended to check for the most up-to-date information from official sources or the BTS Skytrain's website for the current network layout and station details.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there were plans for several BTS route extensions and new lines in Bangkok. However, please note that the information may have changed or progressed since then. Here are some notable route extensions that were planned or under construction at that time:
1. Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) Extensions:
- Extension from Bearing Station: The Sukhumvit Line was planned to extend beyond Bearing Station to Samut Prakan Province, with new stations like Samrong Nuea and Samrong Tai.
- Extension to Ratchayothin: The Silom Line was proposed to extend from its current terminal station, Bang Wa, to Ratchayothin in the northern part of Bangkok. This extension would add stations like Phetkasem 48, Bang Khae, and Phetkasem 69.
- Extension to Taling Chan: Another proposed extension on the Silom Line was from Bang Wa to Taling Chan, adding stations like Bang Khun Non and Taling Chan.
3. Other Future Lines:
- Pink Line (Khae Rai - Min Buri): The Pink Line was under construction and planned to connect Khae Rai in Nonthaburi Province to Min Buri in eastern Bangkok. It would intersect with the Sukhumvit Line at Mo Chit Station.
- Yellow Line (Ladprao - Samrong): The Yellow Line was under construction and designed to connect Ladprao in northern Bangkok to Samrong in Samut Prakan Province. It would intersect with the Sukhumvit Line at Phra Ram 9 Station.
These extensions and new lines were intended to expand the coverage of the BTS network, provide better connectivity to different areas of the city, and alleviate congestion in heavily populated areas. For the latest information and updates on BTS route extensions, it is recommended to refer to official sources or the BTS Skytrain's website or announcements.