Public transport has long been a bane for Bangkok commuters, and when the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) opened its first two lines over 16 years ago, it brought hope to city dwellers who’d had to endure the hellish Bangkok roads in buses and cars.
Over the years the BTS became a lifeline for the people, originally only in the city centre with its two routes, and then in the past few years with the extension into the suburbs.
Each day, over 700,000 commuters use the BTS, a number that is increasing. Known for efficiency, speed and also for its relatively high cost — maximum 52 baht per person per trip, although there are special discount packages — the BTS is often viewed as a mild luxury for white-collar workers in major districts and shopping enclaves, and maybe not for the masses who still have to rely on cheaper or free buses. Considering the average higher national salary, the maximum subway fare in Singapore is around 55 baht.
With more extensions planned or now in construction, the Skytrain will cover larger areas, penetrating into outlying residential areas beyond its existing terminus at Mo Chit, Bearing and Bang Wa. The expanded coverage will benefit even more commuters — though again, is it for everyone? It’s also worth noting that even with the BTS (and of course MRT) in place for over a decade and constantly hailed for its efficiency, Bangkok’s traffic jam haven’t been significantly reduced.
In a random survey Life conducted of BTS passengers, we found that the Skytrain was a major part of their life. Some complaints involve packed trains during rush hour and unruly passenger behaviour, while some believe it’d be better to have a flat rate Single Journey ticket as they found the current price too high. The bottom line is that without the BTS service, commuters would likely reach their destinations a bundle of nerves.
Kornapa Sangsuriyachoti
Physiotherapist, 27
“Before the BTS, I used to wake up at 5am for work, travelling from Wong Wian Yai to Silom. Today I can wake up an hour-and-a-half later. I am eight months pregnant, and I feel more relaxed if I don’t have to be in traffic.
“I work in Silom where traffic is one of the worst. I am fortunate that the Wong Wian Yai BTS station is next to my condo so I do not need to depend on other transport to reach the station. My train ride from home to office takes a mere 10 minutes, in traffic it could take close to two hours. Without the train, I would be forced to find a job near my home.
“My only complaint is that the seats designated for the elderly, pregnant women and children do not serve their purpose because they’re often occupied by others. To address this, I suggest the announcement to not eat and drink in the BTS should be amended to encourage passengers to be more thoughtful to the needs of others.”
Korn-uma Kongsoomboon
Accountant, 44
“Motorcycle taxis might get you to your destination quickly, but it is not safe, so the Skytrain is my best option. Rush hours can be a nightmare when it’s packed, but it serves its purpose.
“I have to set aside a budget for my commuting. To get to the Udom Suk station I have to use the motorcycle taxi first. So in total I pay approximately 60 baht back and forth per trip, 20 baht for motorcycle and 40 baht for BTS — so 120 baht a day, or 3,600 baht a month. I have to penny-pinch to use the BTS, but it’s worth it.
“I would like to suggest that BTS staff pay more attention to explaining how to use their ticket service to would-be passengers from outside the city. People from upcountry love to try the Skytrain. Telling them to read instructions is not working because they prefer to have someone explain it to them.”
Nitya Khanijow
Operations Manager, 37
“I opt to take the BTS instead of my car five days a week because I live far from my workplace. The horrendous morning and evening rush hour traffic is the sole reason that I fork out approximately 4,400 baht monthly to commute between my home and office, because I need to take the motorcycle taxi from my home to Bang Wa BTS Station, then take the train. I could save half of the amount if I was to take my car, but I still prefer the BTS.
“BTS ticket prices are not cheap, but today I am in a financially better situation to afford this luxury. Fifteen years ago this was not the case. My salary back then as an admin staff made it difficult to use the BTS regularly. Taking public transport did take a toll on my physical and emotional health. Today my work demands that I be emotionally strong to face job-related stress, so taking the sky train is one way to start the day on a high note.”
Nuttanee Tailtorsakul
Admin Staff, 28
“I spend 45 minutes on the BTS from Bearing to Mo Chit — two opposite parts of town — I consider it a time to rest. Even though I still need to continue the journey on a bus or van and then a motorcycle taxi to get to Public Health Ministry where I work, the time I spend on the train recharges my batteries.
“Despite being packed like sardines during rush hours, it is a time I get to relax by reading a book or playing on my smartphone. For me this time is also very special. I also synchronise my watch with another friend, so we can catch the same train and have a chit chat before we separate at our different stations.
“I have a car, if I make an effort and leave before rush hour, it would be comfortable and convenient for me to drive to work. However, if I calculate all the expenses entailed in taking my own vehicle, I would spend approximately 5,000 per month, with the Skytrain I pay half this amount.”
Sudang Eksuwan
Assistant Secretary, 46
“So attached am I to the Skytrain that my decision to accept a job is based on how far the company is from the BTS station. I recently moved to work on Asoke. It takes me approximately 30 minutes to reach my office from my home in Soi Lasalle in Bang Na. Other forms of transport just don’t cut it for me.
“Using the BTS is a unique experience and a wholly different lifestyle. I have been using it since 1999. Through these years I have mastered how to wiggle my way out of a crowded train during rush hours.
“I believe the Skytrain is a viable option not just because of its convenience but also because it is in walking distance to popular shopping areas and business districts.
“There is definitely room for improvement, starting from its ageing automatic gates. When it malfunctions, passengers get hurt. There should also be toilets that are easily accessible for people who need to use them urgently.”
Taweewat Wiwattanawanich
Managing Director, 37
“I have a car but I leave it at home and get on a Skytrain to meet my clients for sake of speed. Reaching one’s appointment in time shows you are a professional. As a large portion of my work is concerned with sales, time is a key factor in my daily life. With the BTS I can estimate just how many clients I can see. For me time is more important than money. We can always find ways to make money but we cannot buy time.
“As a businessman, convenience takes priority over everything. When I drove, I was only able to get in about two to three personal and private appointments daily. With the Skytrain I am able to make time for seven to eight appointments along the BTS routes.
“If there is one thing I would like to suggest is that seats for old people, pregnant women, children and monks be painted in red and make it compulsory for them to only be used by those who need them.”
Dusadee Chiewcharnvalichakij
School Administrator, 34
“Clients and friends I work with choose to meet me along the Sukhumvit BTS route, so I prefer to use BTS. I use my car only when I carry heavy stuff. Besides being a quick mode of transport, I use it to send and pick up documents at a designated point inside the station.
“Thanks to the BTS, besides work, I can also enjoy a social life, catching up with old friends along the Skytrain route. Everyone wants more time for themselves and the BTS is the answer to this. Bangkok’s worsening traffic makes this the best option for people of all walks of life. Even blue-collar workers try to save their money by using this service once in a while.
“As a regular customer, I would like to plead with the BTS to add additional compartments, especially during rush hours. The train is often so jam packed that I can’t get out in time, this has happened a couple of times in the morning. It took two stations for me to finally wiggle my way out to the entrance. It really is unbearable.”
