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.