New BTS Train Route opens
A new 2.2 kilometer track of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) extends its service from Saphan Taksin station to Wong Wian Yai station.
The opening ceremony was presided by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. He said that the government’s aim was to extend the electric train services to cover all areas in capital city of Bangkok. For the initial three months of the electric travel service will be free. The service will operate from 6 AM till midnight everyday.
As per BTS officials, commuters numbering from 430,000 to 460,000 are expected to use the Sky Train on weekdays and 300,000 a day on the weekends. The new extension over the Taksin Bridge is expected to increase the number of SkyTrain trips by an additional 50-60,000 trips per day.
The new service connects Sathorn Road to Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It comes as a welcome relief to avoid the bumper to bumper traffic everyday during the rush hour.
There are more benefits expected out of this new track in addition to reducing traveling time. High density developments are expected in Wong Wian Yai area which has been on decline for last couple of years due to high congested traffic. More areas are expected to open up for office projects extending the Sathorn area westward.