absolutelyBangkok archive · Top Thai things
Originally published May 15, 2009
Salvation could have arrived years ago. It probably was the world’s oldest ready-to-use but unused public transport. Finally, after years of poisonous struggles of vested interests forcing Thonburi residents to face more senseless years of gridlock the suffering of thousands of commuters has finally come to an end.
The first Skytrain route to venture across Chao Phraya river has been launched on May 15, 2009, with a trial run and is open to the public — for free for that for the first three months. The probably most congested road in Bangkok along Sathorn’s Saphan Taksin bridge becomes a thing of the past for people enjoying the heavenly train ride.
“We expect about 2,000 vehicles per hour during rush hour after the extention opens, compared to almost 15,000 vehicles currently,” said an official at the opening while Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva waved off the first train at an early 5.20 a.m. Because who doesn’t love a prime minister giving the people new freedom.
The new 2.2 kilometer elevated train extension route from Saphan Taksin station to Wong Wian Yai shall be only one of other electric train route extensions to cover all areas of the city of Bangkok, Abhisit told reporters. Public transportation development is necessary to help stimulate the economy, he said. Well, I love to get stimulated that way. Kudos, pretty Mark.
Being at it, how many years Skytrain commuters will have to wait until double-formations of trains relieve the mornings and the evenings? My understanding is they have the rolling stock ordered, since years… But then again all the conflicts and unsubstantiated accusations against main supplier Siemens with France’s Alstom and Canada’s Bombardier wanting a piece of the cake while lobbying goes on…
While we keep our fingers crossed for the soon-to-be next 8.9 kilometer extension from On Nut to Samrong at Sukhumvit 119, congratulations Thonburians. Finally you as well can plan life and mobility by the minute.
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