Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) has been a welcome and well-used addition to Bangkok's public transport network since its hi-tech doors sprung open back in July 2004. With a capacity to whiz 40,000 passengers per hour in each direction, trains every five minutes in peak times (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00) and every seven minutes at other times, its responsible (along with the Skytrain) for taking much of the pressure off the city's notoriously clogged roads.
With air-conditioning throughout, it's comfortable as well as quick, and there's also mobile phone coverage - very handy!
Although additional lines and extensions are in the pipeline (pending government approval), it currently only comprises the blue line. This serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hualamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Stops of particular interest to visitors include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand Cultural Centre, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, Lumpini Park, Silom and Sukhumvit Road. It intersects with the Skytrain (BTS) at Silom and Sukhumvit stations, from where it's a short walk to BTS Sala Daeng and BTS Asok stations, respectively.
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Service is staggeringly efficient; 99.54% of trains arrive on time (source: Bangkok Metro Quality Service Report, 2006), and there is a wide range of tickets available. Customers can purchase single journey tickets from vending machines, or stored value cards from the ticket offices. A single journey ticket from one end to the other costs 39 baht, taking an estimated 25 minutes (minimum fare for one stop is 15 baht). An unlimited use one-day pass costs 120 baht, a three-day pass is 230 baht, and a 30-day pass will set you back 800 baht.
Parking is provided at seven stations: Sam Yan, Sukhumvit, Phetchaburi, Thailand Cultural Centre, Huai Khwang, Ratchadaphisek and Kamphaeng Phet. All stations have facilities (lifts) for disabled people.
Before setting off, there are a few peculiarities worth knowing:
- If you want to go to Lumpini Park, do not get off at Lumpini Station. Exit at Silom Station.
- If you want to go to Central Lad Phrao, do not get off at Lad Phrao Station. Exit at Phaholyothin Station.
- If you want to go to Chatuchak Weekend Market, do not get off at Chatuchak Park Station. Exit at Kamphaeng Phet Station.
- If you want to go to Thailand Cultural Center, you will need to get a taxi from the station. The Thailand Cultural Centre is a fair distance from Thailand Cultural Centre Station. |
