The Metropolitan Rapid Transit or MRT is a mass
rapid transit
Rapid transit or mass rapid transit (MRT), also known as heavy rail or metro, is a type of high-capacity public transport generally found in urban areas. A rapid transit system that primarily or traditionally runs below the surface may be c ...
system serving the
Bangkok Metropolitan Region
The Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR) ( th, กรุงเทพมหานครและปริมณฑล; ; ), may refer to a government-defined "political definition" of the urban region surrounding the metropolis of Bangkok, or the built ...
in
Thailand
Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is bo ...
. The MRT system comprises two
rapid transit
Rapid transit or mass rapid transit (MRT), also known as heavy rail or metro, is a type of high-capacity public transport generally found in urban areas. A rapid transit system that primarily or traditionally runs below the surface may be c ...
lines, with a further three lines (one rapid transit line and two monorail lines) currently under construction and due to open in 2022. The
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
, officially the ''Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line'', between
Hua Lamphong and
Bang Sue was the first to open in 2004 as Bangkok's second metro system. The MRT Blue line is officially known in Thai as ''rotfaifa mahanakhon'' (รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร) or "metropolitan electric train", but it is more commonly called ''rotfai taidin'' (รถไฟใต้ดิน), literally, "underground train".
The second MRT line
MRT Purple Line
The MRT Purple line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) or MRT Chalong Ratchatham line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) is Bangkok's fifth rapid tra ...
, officially the ''Chalong Ratchadham Line'', opened on 6 August 2016 and connected
Tao Poon with
Khlong Bang Phai in
Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi ( th, นนทบุรี, ) is the principal city of the district and province of the same name in Thailand.
On 15 February 1936, Nonthaburi town municipality (''thesaban mueang'') was established, which only covered Suan Yai ...
in the northwest of Greater Bangkok. It was the first mass transit line to extend outside Bangkok.
Both the Blue Line and Purple Line are operated by the
(BEM) under a concession granted by the
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand or MRTA ( th, การรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนแห่งประเทศไทย) is a state enterprise under the Ministry of Transport of Thailand. It is responsible the op ...
(MRTA) which is the owner of the MRT lines. Along with the
BTS Skytrain
The Bangkok Mass Transit System, commonly known as the BTS Skytrain ( th, รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส '' TS'), is an elevated rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. It is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), a ...
and the
Airport Rail Link
An airport rail link is a service providing passenger rail transport from an airport to a nearby city by mainline or commuter trains, rapid transit, people mover, or light rail. Direct links operate straight to the airport terminal, while o ...
, the MRT is part of Bangkok's
rail transportation infrastructure. The two MRT lines have 470,000 passengers each day (Blue Line 400,000 and Purple Line 70,000) with 45 operational stations and a combined route length of .
From mid 2011, construction began to extend the
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
with an extension west from Hua Lamphong via Tha Phra to Lak Song, and in the north from Bang Sue to Tha Phra. After completion in April 2020, the Blue Line has become a quasi loop line (providing interchange with itself at Tha Phra) around the centre of Bangkok. The first section of the
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
extension from Hua Lamphong via Tha Phra to Lak Song opened for full operation on 29 September 2019.
Other MRT lines are planned for the future MRT system with the
MRT Orange Line
The MRT Orange Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีส้ม) is a rapid transit line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. When fully completed, the MRT Or ...
,
MRT Yellow Line
The MRT Yellow Line is an elevated mass rapid transit line currently under construction in Bangkok and Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The 30.4 km line will have 23 stations and cost 55 billion baht. The line was originally proposed in 2005 ...
and
MRT Pink Line
The MRT Pink Line is an elevated mass rapid transit monorail train line under construction in Bangkok and Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. The monorail line will be long and have 30 stations. It will run in the northern part of the city from the ...
all currently under construction. An extension of the
MRT Purple Line
The MRT Purple line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) or MRT Chalong Ratchatham line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) is Bangkok's fifth rapid tra ...
south from
Tao Poon to
Rat Burana was due to be tendered in April 2020 but has been delayed until the end of 2020.
In June 2019, the
MRT Brown Line
The MRT Brown Line is a 22.1 km rapid transit line in Bangkok, Thailand proposed monorail mass transit line from Nonthaburi Civic Centre, Nonthaburi Province to Lam Sali intersection, Bang Kapi District. 20 stations are proposed for the lin ...
was approved by the MRT Board for an integrated design with the N2 Expressway design by EXAT.
The
MRT Brown Line
The MRT Brown Line is a 22.1 km rapid transit line in Bangkok, Thailand proposed monorail mass transit line from Nonthaburi Civic Centre, Nonthaburi Province to Lam Sali intersection, Bang Kapi District. 20 stations are proposed for the lin ...
is planned to be tendered in the first half of 2021 once final designs are completed by October 2020.
History
![MRT Purple Line Route Map](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/MRT_Purple_Line_Route_Map.jpg)
The MRT was constructed under a concession framework. For the first MRT line, officially known as Chaloem Ratchamongkhon or informally as the "Blue Line", civil infrastructure was provided by the government sector, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), and handed over to their concessionaire under a 25-year concession agreement.
(BEM) was the only private sector company that won a bid in MRTA's concession contract for the blue line. As MRTA's concessionaire, BEM provides M&E equipment, including electrical trains, signalling systems, SCADA, communication, PSD, etc. for the subway project and fully operates the system. To maintain the system, BEM has subcontracted in 10 years to Siemens which was the M&E system supplier since system opening and 7 years maintenance contract to two local maintenance services for north and south line.
The construction of the first Bangkok Metro line, officially known as Chaloem Ratchamongkhon (Thai สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) – "Celebration of Royal Auspice" – or informally as the "Blue Line", began on 19 November 1996. The project suffered multiple delays not only because of the
1997 economic crisis, but also due to challenging civil engineering works of constructing massive underground structures deep in the water-logged soil upon which the city is built.
The
Blue Line was opened for a limited public trial period of several weeks starting on 13 April 2004. On 3 July 2004 the line was officially opened at 19:19 local time by
HM King Bhumibol and
Queen Sirikit
Queen Sirikit ( th, สิริกิติ์; ; ); born ''Mom Rajawongse'' Sirikit Kitiyakara ( th, สิริกิติ์ กิติยากร; ; 12 August 1932) is the queen mother of Thailand. She was Queen of Thailand as the wif ...
, who were accompanied by other members of the royal family. Within 30 minutes of its opening, sightseers filled the system to its maximum capacity, but after the initial rush ridership has settled down to around 180,000 riders daily — considerably lower than projections of over 400,000, despite fares being slashed in half from 12 to 38 baht to 10-15 baht per trip. From 2006 until 2008, fares ranged between 14 and 36 baht per trip. The fare was raised to 16-41 Baht on 1 January 2009. Daily ridership in 2014 was 253,000.
In August 2016, the
Purple Line opened for service. In August 2017, the
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
was belatedly extended to Tao Poon station allowing interchange with the Purple Lines.
Operation
![Prohibited act by Bangkok MRT](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Prohibited_act_by_Bangkok_MRT.jpg)
Considering that Bangkok is a low-lying plain which is prone to flooding, all of the Metro's station entrances are raised about one metre above the ground level and are equipped with built-in floodgates in order to avoid water inundating the system. Lifts and ramps are found at all stations, providing easy access for passengers in wheelchairs. Stations have multiple passageways (generally four) which allow passengers to connect to any corner of the adjacent surface intersection. Passageways between exits are very spacious and some are beginning to open as malls. Maps depicting the local area and exit points are posted on the walls on the way out.
Due to safety considerations,
platform screen doors
Platform screen doors (PSDs), also known as platform edge doors (PEDs), are used at some train, rapid transit and people mover stations to separate the platform from train tracks, as well as on some bus rapid transit, tram and light rail syste ...
are installed. Uniformed security personnel and security cameras are present at all platforms. Currently 19 three-car metro trains, of the
Siemens Modular Metro
The Siemens Modular Metro is a family of electric multiple unit trains for rapid transit systems produced by Siemens Mobility (originally Siemens Transportation Systems) and used by rail operators around the world. The vehicle concept was launched ...
type, are used. Each metro train consists of two motor cars and a centre trailer car.
Ticketing
![Bangkok MRT ticketing machine](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Bangkok_MRT_ticketing_machine.jpg)
The ticketing system uses RFID contactless technology with round tokens issued for single trips and a contactless stored value card, the MRT Plus card, for frequent travellers. It is planned that a joint ticketing system will be set up so that passengers can use a single ticket on the MRT as well as on the
Skytrain. Multi-storey park & ride facilities are provided at
Lat Phrao and
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural Centre (Thai alphabet, Thai; ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย) is a performing arts venue in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, Thailand.
History
Built with a grant from Japan, the T ...
. Motorists who park their cars at these premises will be issued with additional contactless smartcards and they need to have them electronically stamped at their destination station. The turnstiles accept cards or tokens, both available from a manned booth or automated ticket machines.
Smart cards are available in two types:
* A rechargeable card for distance-based fares:
** for adults, at the same rate as single fares
** for students, not over 23 years old, at 10% discount
** for children/elderly, not over 14 old and height between 91 and 120 cm, or not less than 60 old, each with 50% discount.
Children under 15 or whose height does not exceed 90 cm may ride for free. Reduced fares for older children and half price fares for the elderly also apply when buying a token at the booth.
From January 2022 MRT start accepting new payment fare type for Blue Line and Purple Line via EMV Contactless (Europay Mastercard and Visa)
Current Lines
The first line, the
Blue Line, opened on 3 July 2004. It runs eastward from
Tao Poon Station in
Bang Sue District along Kamphaeng Phet, Phahon Yothin and Lat Phrao Roads, then turns south following
Ratchadaphisek Road
Ratchadaphisek Road ( th, ถนนรัชดาภิเษก, ) is a major road in Bangkok, Thailand. Conceived in 1971 and opened in 1976, it connects earlier portions including Asok Montri, Wong Sawang and Charan Sanitwong Roads to for ...
, then west following Rama IV Road to Hua Lamphong Station in
Pathum Wan District
Pathum Wan ( th, ปทุมวัน, ) is one of the fifty districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It lies just beyond the old city boundary of Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem, and was a rural area on the eastern outskirts of the city when roya ...
. The second line, the
Purple Line opened on 6 August 2016. The 1.2 km missing link of the Blue Line between Bang Sue and Tao Poon, connecting the two lines opened on 11 August 2017. The first section of the Blue Line extension from Hua Lamphong via Tha Phra to Lak Song opened for full operation on 29 September 2019.
* The interchange station is counted as a station (Tha Phra Station).
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line
presently runs from
Tha Phra
Tha Phra ( th, ท่าพระ, ) is a main road intersection in the Wat Tha Phra Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District in Thon Buri side, Bangkok.
Characteristics & history
The intersection is the junction of Ratchadaphisek (Inner Ring Road ...
to
Lak Song
Lak Song ( th, หลักสอง, ) is a '' khwaeng'' (subdistrict) of Bang Khae district, Bangkok's Thonburi side.
History
Originally, Lak Song was a part of '' amphoe'' (district) Nong Khaem, a westernmost of Bangkok. Until 1998, the Minist ...
and has a carrying capacity of 40,000 people in each direction per hour. Similar to the
Skytrain, the Metro uses trains supplied by
Siemens
Siemens AG ( ) is a German multinational conglomerate corporation and the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe headquartered in Munich with branch offices abroad.
The principal divisions of the corporation are ''Industry'', '' ...
which travel up to 80 km/h. Passengers can connect to the
Skytrain at
Si Lom
Si Lom Road (also written as Silom, th, สีลม, ) is a major street in the Thai capital Bangkok, best known for its commercial neighbourhood, which, along with the nearby and roughly parallel Sathon Road, forms one of the city's main bu ...
,
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road ( th, ถนนสุขุมวิท, , ), or Highway 3 ( th, ทางหลวงแผ่นดินหมายเลข 3), is a major road in Thailand, and a major surface road of Bangkok and other cities. It follows ...
and
Chatuchak Park
Chatuchak Park ( th, สวนจตุจักร; ) is a public park in the southwest part of Chatuchak District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is also the name of the Chatuchak Park MRT Station that lies under the park. Its name is the origin name o ...
stations. The Blue Line has a large depot located on the large MRTA Headquarters in
Huai Khwang district
Huai Khwang ( th, ห้วยขวาง, ) is one of the 50 districts (khet) of Bangkok, Thailand. It is east of the city centre. Neighbouring districts are Chatuchak, Wang Thonglang, Bang Kapi, Suan Luang, Watthana, Ratchathewi, and Din D ...
and accessed via a spur line located between
Phra Ram 9 and
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural Centre (Thai alphabet, Thai; ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย) is a performing arts venue in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, Thailand.
History
Built with a grant from Japan, the T ...
stations.
The 48-kilometer-long MRT Blue line will serve as a circle line for Bangkok's metro rail system, providing connections to all other major lines, including the
SRT Red Lines and the
Airport Rail Link
An airport rail link is a service providing passenger rail transport from an airport to a nearby city by mainline or commuter trains, rapid transit, people mover, or light rail. Direct links operate straight to the airport terminal, while o ...
. However the complete track does not form a circle, but rather a figure 6. So to ride the complete circle one has either to start at Tha Phra or change trains there.
MRT Purple Line
![MRT Purple Line Train T013 20160806](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/MRT_Purple_Line_Train_T013_20160806.jpg)
The MRT Purple line is divided into two sections, the first 23 kilometer stage from
Khlong Bang Phai -
Tao Poon which opened on 6 August 2016, and a planned 19.8 kilometer southern extension from
Tao Poon -
Phra Pradaeng
Phra Pradaeng ( th, พระประแดง, ) is a district ('' amphoe'') of Samut Prakan province in Thailand.
History
Phra Pradeang was the original center of the area south of Bangkok near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. Originally n ...
.
The Purple line currently serves travel demand between the northwestern suburbs of
Bangkok
Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estima ...
in
Nonthaburi Province to the mid north areas of Bangkok where it links with the
Blue line. Eventually, the line will link with the southern area of
Thonburi
__NOTOC__
Thonburi ( th, ธนบุรี) is an area of modern Bangkok. During the era of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, its location on the right (west) bank at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River had made it an important garrison town, which is ...
in
Phra Pradaeng District
Phra Pradaeng ( th, พระประแดง, ) is a district (''amphoe'') of Samut Prakan province in Thailand.
History
Phra Pradeang was the original center of the area south of Bangkok near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. Originally na ...
,
Samut Prakan Province with a southern extension. This extension will serve the new
Thai parliament
The National Assembly of Thailand ( Abrv: NAT; th, รัฐสภา, , ) is the bicameral legislative branch of the government of Thailand. It convenes in the Sappaya-Sapasathan, Dusit District, Bangkok.
The National Assembly was establis ...
construction site at Kiak Kai intersection and will run along
Samsen Road
350px, Samsen Road in the phase of Thewet Naruemit Bridge (view backward to Phra Nakhon side)
Samsen or spelled Sam Sen ( th, สามเสน, ) is a road and neighbourhood in Bangkok considered to be one of Bangkok's oldest. Samsen road start ...
, then passing through the historic old quarter of Bangkok
Rattanakosin Island
Rattanakosin Island ( th, เกาะรัตนโกสินทร์, , ) is a historic area in the Phra Nakhon District in the city of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bordered by the Chao Phraya River to the west and various canals to the east t ...
and many historical places in
Dusit and
Phra Nakhon District like the
national library
A national library is a library established by a government as a country's preeminent repository of information. Unlike public library, public libraries, these rarely allow citizens to borrow books. Often, they include numerous rare, valuable, o ...
, Thewet market, Bang Lamphu, the
Democracy Monument
The Democracy Monument ( th, อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย, ''Anusawari Prachathipatai'') is a public monument in the city center of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It occupies a traffic circle on the wide east ...
, the
Golden Mount
Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan ( th, วัดสระเกศราชวรมหาวิหาร, usually shortened to Wat Saket is a Buddhist temple (''wat'') in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok, Thailand.
The temple dates ba ...
,
Phahurat
Phahurat or Pahurat ( th, พาหุรัด), often known as Thailand's Little India, is an ethnic neighborhood surrounding Phahurat Road in Wang Burapha Phirom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. The area that would become Phahura ...
near Chinatown. It then runs near the
Memorial Bridge over the river to
Wongwian Yai
Wongwian Yai, also spelled "Wong Wian Yai" or "Wongwien Yai" ( th, วงเวียนใหญ่, ; ), is a large roundabout (traffic circle) in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, where the statue of Kin ...
roundabout before continuing south to
Chom Thong and ends in
Rat Burana District.
Expansion plans
The MRT Blue line forms a
lariat-shaped loop encircling the city.
It is eventually planned that the combined route distance of all MRT lines covering major areas of Bangkok will be total of 171 km. This comprises 94 km for the 3 rapid transit lines and 77 km for the 3 monorail lines.
MRT Blue Line extension
![Under construction MRT Blue Line viaduct](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/Under_construction_MRT_Blue_Line_viaduct.jpg)
#
Bang Sue –
Bang Phlat
Bang Phlat ( th, บางพลัด, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighboring districts, clockwise from the north, are Bang Kruai district, Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Noi, and Taling Chan.
H ...
–
Tha Phra
Tha Phra ( th, ท่าพระ, ) is a main road intersection in the Wat Tha Phra Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District in Thon Buri side, Bangkok.
Characteristics & history
The intersection is the junction of Ratchadaphisek (Inner Ring Road ...
(opened December 2019). It starts from Bang Sue Station, passing along Pracharat Sai 2 Road. It crosses
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya ( or ; th, แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา, , or ) is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand.
Et ...
and turns left along Charansanitwong Road until it reaches Tha Phra at Phetkasem and Charansanitwong intersection. The length is 13.1 km with 7 elevated stations.
#
Hua Lamphong –
Tha Phra
Tha Phra ( th, ท่าพระ, ) is a main road intersection in the Wat Tha Phra Subdistrict, Bangkok Yai District in Thon Buri side, Bangkok.
Characteristics & history
The intersection is the junction of Ratchadaphisek (Inner Ring Road ...
–
Lak Song
Lak Song ( th, หลักสอง, ) is a '' khwaeng'' (subdistrict) of Bang Khae district, Bangkok's Thonburi side.
History
Originally, Lak Song was a part of '' amphoe'' (district) Nong Khaem, a westernmost of Bangkok. Until 1998, the Minist ...
(opened 29 September 2019). From Hua Lamphong Station it goes along Charoen Krung Road, passes
Wat Mangkon Station,
Sam Yot Station, and then turns left at
Wat Pho
Wat Pho ( th, วัดโพธิ์, ), also spelled Wat Po, is a Buddhism, Buddhist temple complex in the Phra Nakhon, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Grand P ...
before crossing under the
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya ( or ; th, แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา, , or ) is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand.
Et ...
at Pak Khlong Talat. Passing through
Itsaraphap, it finally enters Phetkasem Road and ends at
Lak Song
Lak Song ( th, หลักสอง, ) is a '' khwaeng'' (subdistrict) of Bang Khae district, Bangkok's Thonburi side.
History
Originally, Lak Song was a part of '' amphoe'' (district) Nong Khaem, a westernmost of Bangkok. Until 1998, the Minist ...
. After 4 underground stations, starting from Tha Phra the line becomes elevated for 6 stations. The length is 13.9 km. with 8.9 km elevated station and 4.8 km underground stations.
#
Lak Song
Lak Song ( th, หลักสอง, ) is a '' khwaeng'' (subdistrict) of Bang Khae district, Bangkok's Thonburi side.
History
Originally, Lak Song was a part of '' amphoe'' (district) Nong Khaem, a westernmost of Bangkok. Until 1998, the Minist ...
to
Phutthamonthon Sai 4 - 7.8 km, 4 station elevated extension (approved by Cabinet and tender delayed).
MRT Purple Line extension
The planned southern extension from Tao Pun - Rat Burana will run south through Bangkok's old quarter from
Tao Pun Junction on a
viaduct
A viaduct is a specific type of bridge that consists of a series of arches, piers or columns supporting a long elevated railway or road. Typically a viaduct connects two points of roughly equal elevation, allowing direct overpass across a wide v ...
. It then will go into an underground structure along Sam Sen Road, passing the new
Thai parliament
The National Assembly of Thailand ( Abrv: NAT; th, รัฐสภา, , ) is the bicameral legislative branch of the government of Thailand. It convenes in the Sappaya-Sapasathan, Dusit District, Bangkok.
The National Assembly was establis ...
site, and transfers to the proposed
Red inner-city shortcut commuter at Sanghi intersection. It passes the
national library
A national library is a library established by a government as a country's preeminent repository of information. Unlike public library, public libraries, these rarely allow citizens to borrow books. Often, they include numerous rare, valuable, o ...
in
Dusit District before it reaches
Phra Nakhon District at Thewet Market.
The line turns east at Bang Lamphu and goes along the city moat to the south, with transfers possible to the
MRT Orange Line
The MRT Orange Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีส้ม) is a rapid transit line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. When fully completed, the MRT Or ...
at Ratchadamnoen Road near the
Democracy Monument
The Democracy Monument ( th, อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย, ''Anusawari Prachathipatai'') is a public monument in the city center of Bangkok, capital of Thailand. It occupies a traffic circle on the wide east ...
. It passes
Golden Mount
Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan ( th, วัดสระเกศราชวรมหาวิหาร, usually shortened to Wat Saket is a Buddhist temple (''wat'') in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, Bangkok, Thailand.
The temple dates ba ...
before possible transfers to the extension of the Blue Line at Wang Burapha near
Yaowarat Road
Yaowarat Road ( th, ถนนเยาวราช, ; ) in Samphanthawong District is the main artery of Bangkok's Chinatown. Modern Chinatown now covers a large area around Yaowarat and Charoen Krung Road. It has been the main centre for trading ...
in
Chinatown
A Chinatown () is an ethnic enclave of Chinese people located outside Greater China, most often in an urban setting. Areas known as "Chinatown" exist throughout the world, including Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Austra ...
and the
Phahurat
Phahurat or Pahurat ( th, พาหุรัด), often known as Thailand's Little India, is an ethnic neighborhood surrounding Phahurat Road in Wang Burapha Phirom Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok. The area that would become Phahura ...
textile market.
The line crosses the Chao Phraya River near the
Memorial Bridge towards the
Wongwian Yai
Wongwian Yai, also spelled "Wong Wian Yai" or "Wongwien Yai" ( th, วงเวียนใหญ่, ; ), is a large roundabout (traffic circle) in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, where the statue of Kin ...
roundabout in
Thonburi
__NOTOC__
Thonburi ( th, ธนบุรี) is an area of modern Bangkok. During the era of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, its location on the right (west) bank at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River had made it an important garrison town, which is ...
on the west bank, with possible transfers to the
Dark Red Line commuter and to
Wongwian Yai
Wongwian Yai, also spelled "Wong Wian Yai" or "Wongwien Yai" ( th, วงเวียนใหญ่, ; ), is a large roundabout (traffic circle) in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, where the statue of Kin ...
. It continues south to
Chom Thong, then on an elevated structure for and ends in
Rat Burana District, a short distance to the nearby
Phra Pradaeng
Phra Pradaeng ( th, พระประแดง, ) is a district ('' amphoe'') of Samut Prakan province in Thailand.
History
Phra Pradeang was the original center of the area south of Bangkok near the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. Originally n ...
suburban town in
Samut Prakan Province. The total length will be about 23.6 km, including ten underground and seven elevated stations.
The Thai Cabinet was expected to approve the Purple Line Southern extension in mid 2017 with a tender due by the 2nd half of 2017. On 25 July 2017, the Cabinet approved the 101 billion baht budget and tender for the extension but the tender was delayed until 2018 due to land acquisition issues. There was a further delay to an early 2019 date as the tender was changed to a PPP tender. However, a subsequent delay in finalising the PPP process resulted in a new tender date of April 2020 but this has been further delayed with an expected tender by the end of 2020.
Construction contracts were finally signed in March 2022 for a planned 2027 opening date.
MRT Orange Line
![Future MRT Orange Line Platforms, TLCC Station](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Future_MRT_Orange_Line_Platforms%2C_TLCC_Station.jpg)
The Orange Line will start from
Min Buri
Min Buri ( th, มีนบุรี, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other Bangkok districts (from north clockwise): Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung, and Khan Na Yao. Min Buri ...
as elevated structure on Ramkhamhaeng Road (former Suka Phiban III Road) from eastern suburb in Min Buri District and goes underground near Lam Sali intersection in
Bang Kapi District, also transfers to
MRT Yellow Line
The MRT Yellow Line is an elevated mass rapid transit line currently under construction in Bangkok and Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. The 30.4 km line will have 23 stations and cost 55 billion baht. The line was originally proposed in 2005 ...
. It continues southwest along Ramkhamhaeng Road, passing
Hua Mak Stadium and
Ramkhamhaeng University
Ramkhamhaeng University (RU) ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยรามคำแหง) is Thailand's largest public university. It was named in honour of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of Sukhothai. The university provides an effective and e ...
. Then it turns to the west and crosses
Pradit Manutham Road to the current MRT depot. Then it goes to
Thailand Cultural Centre Station, the alignment crosses over and transfers to the current
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
. It continues via
Din Daeng
Din Daeng ( th, ดินแดง, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. Its neighbours, clockwise from north, are Chatuchak, Huai Khwang, Ratchathewi, and Phaya Thai.
History
The district was created in 1993, when the ...
housing estates and Bangkok City Hall 2 to
Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
Vibhavadi Rangsit Road ( th, ถนนวิภาวดีรังสิต, ) or Highway 31, often informally called Vibhavadi Road (), is a highway in Thailand.
The road begins at Phaya Thai district in Bangkok and crosses Chatuchak, Lak ...
, Sam Liam Din Daeng Junction. Then turn left into
Ratchaprarop Road towards
Pratunam
Pratunam, written as Pratu Nam ( th, ประตูน้ำ, ), is an intersection and neighborhood in Bangkok. It is located in Thanon Phaya Thai sub-district, Ratchathewi district. It is the intersection of Phetchaburi, Ratchadamri and Ratch ...
and turn right into Phetchaburi Road then interchange with BTS
Sukhumvit Line at
Ratchathewi Station. It continues along Larn Luang Road and Ratchadamnoen Road. Then it crosses the
Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya ( or ; th, แม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา, , or ) is the major river in Thailand, with its low alluvial plain forming the centre of the country. It flows through Bangkok and then into the Gulf of Thailand.
Et ...
near
Phra Pinklao Bridge
The Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge ( th, สะพานสมเด็จพระปิ่นเกล้า, , ) is a bridge near the Grand Palace over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It links Rattanakosin Island with Thonburi.
Backg ...
, passes
Siriraj Hospital
Siriraj Hospital ( th, โรงพยาบาลศิริราช; ) is the oldest and largest hospital in Thailand. It is in Bangkok on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Thammasat University's Tha Phrachan campus. It is the ...
and goes along
Bangkok Noi
Bangkok Noi ( th, บางกอกน้อย, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Bang Phlat, Phra Nakhon (across Chao Phraya River), Bangkok Yai, Phasi Charoen, a ...
Rail line and terminates at
Bang Khun Non Station, interchanges with
MRT Blue Line
The MRT Blue Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit li ...
again. The total length is 35.9 km.
This Line is divided into 2 sections
* Eastern section from
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural Centre (Thai alphabet, Thai; ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย) is a performing arts venue in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, Thailand.
History
Built with a grant from Japan, the T ...
-
Min Buri
Min Buri ( th, มีนบุรี, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other Bangkok districts (from north clockwise): Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung, and Khan Na Yao. Min Buri ...
(22.5 km).
* Western section
Bang Khun Non -
Thailand Cultural Centre
The Thailand Cultural Centre (Thai alphabet, Thai; ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย) is a performing arts venue in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, Thailand.
History
Built with a grant from Japan, the T ...
(13.4 km)
The phase 1 Eastern section began construction in June 2017 with a planned 2024 opening.
The Phase 2 Western section extension from Thailand Cultural Centre to Bang Khun Non was released for tender on 3 July 2020 as a Public-Private Partnership project.
When fully completed, the line will be 35.9-km long, mostly underground, with 29
stations (7 elevated stations for 8.9 km and other 22 underground stations for 27 km).
MRT Yellow Line
The 30.4 km long Yellow line will have 23 stations. It was originally proposed to be an underground and elevated rapid transit line, but that plan has changed; it will now be built as an elevated
monorail
A monorail (from "mono", meaning "one", and "rail") is a railway in which the track consists of a single rail or a beam.
Colloquially, the term "monorail" is often used to describe any form of elevated rail or people mover. More accurately, ...
line.
In December 2011, the MRTA was instructed by the MOT to divide the Yellow Line into two Phases for tender and construction purposes and to control land appropriation costs. In June 2012, the MRTA contracted consultants to undertake detailed designs of the Yellow Line. In February 2013, OTP stated that the tender for the Yellow line should be ready by late 2013 for tender in early 2014. However, similar to the Pink Line, delays in finalising the technical requirements of the tender in relation to the selection of monorail rolling stock which determines the type of track to be constructed resulted in a significant delay. The subsequent political turmoil of 2014 caused further delay. Thereafter, the coup of May 2014 resulted in a new military administration and the tender being deferred for 2014.
The MRTA tender was subsequently not released until mid-2016. In early December 2016, BSR Joint Venture (comprising
BTS Group Holdings
BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTSG), formerly known as Tanayong Public Company Limited, is a public company in Thailand. It is the majority share holder of Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain and ...
which owns 75%, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction - STEC, and Ratchaburi Electricity Generation Holding - RATCH), won the bid for the project. The BSR also won the bid the Pink Line project.
On 16 June 2017, a contract was signed for the Lat Phrao-Samrong section with the
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand or MRTA ( th, การรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนแห่งประเทศไทย) is a state enterprise under the Ministry of Transport of Thailand. It is responsible the op ...
by a consortium including
BTS Group Holdings
BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTSG), formerly known as Tanayong Public Company Limited, is a public company in Thailand. It is the majority share holder of Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain and ...
, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, and Ratchaburi Electricity Generation Holding. Construction of the MRT Yellow Line began in March 2018, it is scheduled to be fully operational in June 2022.
Once the MRT Yellow Line is complete, a future extension may eventually be built from
Samrong across the
Chao Praya River to link with the
MRT Purple Line
The MRT Purple line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) or MRT Chalong Ratchatham line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) is Bangkok's fifth rapid tra ...
at
Rat Burana.
MRT Pink Line
The 35.5 km long MRT Pink line will have 30 stations and will be a
monorail
A monorail (from "mono", meaning "one", and "rail") is a railway in which the track consists of a single rail or a beam.
Colloquially, the term "monorail" is often used to describe any form of elevated rail or people mover. More accurately, ...
line. It will run in the northern part of the city from east
Bangkok
Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estima ...
in
Minburi District ''(also transfers to
MRT Orange Line
The MRT Orange Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีส้ม) is a rapid transit line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. When fully completed, the MRT Or ...
)'' along Ram Inthra Road to west
Bangkok
Bangkok, officially known in Thai language, Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially as Krung Thep, is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city occupies in the Chao Phraya River delta in central Thailand and has an estima ...
(
Pak Kret district,
Nonthaburi Province) Chaeng Watthana Road and Tiwanon Road ending at The
Nonthaburi Civic Center which transfer to the
MRT Purple Line
The MRT Purple line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) or MRT Chalong Ratchatham line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) is Bangkok's fifth rapid tra ...
.
The line will also transfer with the
SRT Dark Red Line
The SRT Dark Red Line, or Thani Ratthaya Line ( th, รถไฟชานเมือง สายธานีรัถยา) is part of the SRT Red Line suburban railway system to serve the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Region running for 26 ...
which is under construction, the planned
BTS Sukhumvit Line extension to Lam Lukka, and the BMA Proposed
MRT Grey Line
The BMA Grey Line (Watcharaphon - Thong Lo) is a planned monorail line in Bangkok, Thailand. The route would provide a vital north - south link for a distance of 16.25 km with 15 planned stations and is expected to cost 27 billion baht. The l ...
in the future.
The Pink line was due to be tendered in the 3rd quarter of 2013 with construction due to commence in early 2014. However, delays in preparation of the tender in relation to the selection of monorail rolling stock and subsequent political protests resulting in a snap national election in early February 2014, further delayed the Pink Line tender. A subsequent coup in May 2014 resulted in a new military administration and the tender being deferred for 2014. The MRTA tender was subsequently not released until mid-2016.
In early December 2016, BSR Joint Venture (comprising
BTS Group Holdings
BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTSG), formerly known as Tanayong Public Company Limited, is a public company in Thailand. It is the majority share holder of Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), the operator of the BTS Skytrain and ...
which owns 75%, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction - STEC, and Ratchaburi Electricity Generation Holding - RATCH), won the bid. The BSR also won the bid for the Yellow Line project.
On 16 June 2017, the Pink Line project contracts were signed with the BSR consortium by the
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand or MRTA ( th, การรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนแห่งประเทศไทย) is a state enterprise under the Ministry of Transport of Thailand. It is responsible the op ...
with a scheduled operational date of 2022. Construction of the MRT Pink Line began in late 2017. The line is due to be fully operational by June 2022.
The BSR has proposed a 2.8 km spur monorail route to link to
Impact, Muang Thong Thani
Impact, Muang Thong Thani ( th, ศูนย์แสดงสินค้าและการประชุม อิมแพ็ค เมืองทองธานี) is a commercial complex consisting of an arena, convention centre and ...
from Si Rat station which is waiting for approval from the government.
MRT Brown Line
The 20.5 km long Brown line is under study by the OTP. It is proposed to run from Khae Rai,
Nonthaburi
Nonthaburi ( th, นนทบุรี, ) is the principal city of the district and province of the same name in Thailand.
On 15 February 1936, Nonthaburi town municipality (''thesaban mueang'') was established, which only covered Suan Yai ...
to
Bueng Kum
Bueng Kum ( th, บึงกุ่ม, ) is one of the 50 districts (''Khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. From north clockwise, it is bounded by Bang Khen, Khan Na Yao, Saphan Sung, Bang Kapi, and Lat Phrao.
History
Bueng Kum was separated from B ...
with 21 stations and be a
monorail
A monorail (from "mono", meaning "one", and "rail") is a railway in which the track consists of a single rail or a beam.
Colloquially, the term "monorail" is often used to describe any form of elevated rail or people mover. More accurately, ...
line.
The line was originally proposed as the Gold Line by the Pheu Thai party for the Bangkok Governors election held in March 2013. This was in response to objections by
Kasetsart University
Kasetsart University ( th, มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์; ), commonly known and referred to as Kaset or KU, is a public research university in Bangkok, Thailand. It is the largest university in Thailand. I ...
to long proposed Expressway extensions in the area. The line would essentially have replaced the need to build an elevated Expressway. However, the Pheu Thai candidate did not win the Bangkok Governor election and the Gold Line was dropped with the Deputy Minister of Transport stating that land appropriation costs were too high. Subsequently, OTP has reworked the Gold Line proposal into a new Brown Line following much the same route. As of June 2013, the route was under preliminary study by OTP. Public hearings on the Brown line were held in 2017. The MOT announced that a 14-month feasibility study into the line would be completed in 2018. By August 2018, OTP had completed the feasibility study and conducted public hearings. Although, there was much public support for building the MRT Brown line, public opposition to the N2 expressway remained high. OTP intends to submit the project for Cabinet approval by the end of October 2018. In early June 2019, the MRTA Board approved the investment plan for the Brown Line and integrated design with the N2 Expressway conducted by EXAT.
The project is expected to be tendered in late 2021.
This line should not be confused with the original 2004 13 km MRT Brown Line proposal from
Bang Kapi
Bang Kapi ( th, บางกะปิ, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other Bangkok districts (from north clockwise): Bueng Kum, Saphan Sung, Prawet, Suan Luang, Huai Khwang, Wang Thonglang, an ...
to
Min Buri
Min Buri ( th, มีนบุรี, ) is one of the 50 districts (''khet'') of Bangkok, Thailand. It is bounded by other Bangkok districts (from north clockwise): Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung, and Khan Na Yao. Min Buri ...
. This was subsequently merged in 2009 into an extended
MRT Orange Line
The MRT Orange Line ( th, รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีส้ม) is a rapid transit line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand. When fully completed, the MRT Or ...
.
Accidents and incidents
On 17 January 2005, just after 09:15, an empty train returning to the depot collided with a peak-hour train filled with passengers at the
Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station. 140 people were hurt, most of whom sustained only minor injuries and the entire Metro network was shut down for two weeks.
After initial investigations, it was found that the empty train had run into problems shortly before the accident, grinding to a halt on a curve leading to the depot. The driver applied the train brake and was waiting to be towed to the maintenance centre close to the
Thailand Cultural Centre station.
A rescue train was attempting to connect to the stalled train when the driver was told to release the brake even though coupling had not been successful. It was then that the empty train began to roll backwards at a speed of ten metres per second and into the other train, which was carrying passengers. Therefore, it was believed that the incident was caused by negligence due to insufficient training of operation staff. This accident caused damage to both trainsets, with heavily damaged areas limited to the two cars that collided. From the extent of the damage, investigators estimated the collision speed to be around 60 km/h. However, one train, which was rebuilt from the repair of the minor-damaged cars, was already fitted for operation at the end of 2006 and the remaining one was still under heavy repair until mid of 2007; it was released into service in October 2007. The cost resulting from the accident might be a much higher figure than BMCL quoted, and it was expected to be at least 400 million baht, which was totally insured by a local insurance company.
The Metro resumed full operation on 1 February 2005, and passenger numbers soon rose back to pre-crash levels, partly due to a temporary promotional fare scheme which allowed passengers to travel any distance on the MRT for only ten baht (~US$0.33).
Ridership
The first few years of operations saw less than forecast ridership, but pax numbers grew gradually over time. After the opening of the
Tao Poon interchange station between
Blue Line and
Purple Line in mid-August 2017, ridership immediately increased especially on the Purple Line. In September 2017, BEM stated that average daily ridership of the Blue Line had increased from 340,000 to 360,000 after the opening. The Purple line ridership significantly increased from 33,000 to nearly 50,000. In August 2018, the MRTA Deputy Governor stated that daily ridership for the Purple Line had increased to 60,000 each weekday.
[http://www.thansettakij.com/content/309472. ''Thansettakij'', 27 August 2018] After the opening of the Blue Line extension to Lak Song on 29 September 2019, daily ridership increased to 400,000 for the Blue line and 70,000 for the Purple line.
Network Map
See also
*
Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region
*
BTS Skytrain
The Bangkok Mass Transit System, commonly known as the BTS Skytrain ( th, รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส '' TS'), is an elevated rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. It is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), a ...
*
Sukhumvit line
*
Silom line
The BTS Silom line ( th, รถไฟฟ้า สายสีลม) or Dark Green line, is an elevated rapid transit line of the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok, Thailand. It is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), a subsidiary of BTS ...
*
Airport Rail Link (Bangkok)
The Airport Rail Link (ARL) ( th, รถไฟฟ้าแอร์พอร์ต เรล ลิงก์) is an express and commuter rail line in Bangkok, Thailand. The line provides an airport rail link from Suvarnabhumi Airport, via Mak ...
*
SRT Dark Red Line
The SRT Dark Red Line, or Thani Ratthaya Line ( th, รถไฟชานเมือง สายธานีรัถยา) is part of the SRT Red Line suburban railway system to serve the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Region running for 26 ...
*
SRT Light Red Line
The SRT Light Red Line, or Nakhon Withi Line ( th, รถไฟชานเมือง นครวิถี) is part of the SRT Red Lines suburban railway system serving the greater Bangkok Metropolitan Region running for 15 km between K ...
*
Bangkok BRT
The Bangkok BRT is a bus rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. Of five routes that were originally planned, only one line has been operating since 2010, with the other routes cancelled. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced the ...
*
BMA Gold Line
The Gold Line is an automated people mover line, part of Bangkok's rapid transit system. The line is 1.72 km long, consisting of 3 stations, and was opened by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on 16 December 2020. It primarily serves as ...
*
Lists of rapid transit systems
These lists of rapid transit systems are sorted by the type of system:
* List of tram and light rail transit systems
* List of town tramway systems
* Medium-capacity rail transport system
* List of premetro systems
* List of metro systems
* List of ...
*
List of rapid transit stations in Bangkok
References
External links
Official sites
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of ThailandBangkok MRT Master Plan - Office of Transport and Traffic Policy PlanningBangkok Metro Company LimitedMRT System Map
Unofficial sites
Unofficial technical dataInteractive Bangkok MRT map
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mrt (Bangkok)
2004 establishments in Thailand
Electric railways