BTS: Back in operation (Updated Thursday)
The BTS is operating normally today (Thursday), opening on-time after overnight repairs on a switching problem that severely curtailed services all day yesterday.
The BTS is operating normally today (Thursday), opening on-time after overnight repairs on a switching problem that severely curtailed services all day yesterday.
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Thursday morning update
The BTS is operating normally today, opening on-time after overnight repairs on a switching problem that severely curtailed services all day yesterday.
Here is a report from this morning's Bangkok Post.
BTS sorry for skytrain chaos
Hundreds of workers, tourists left stranded
Supoj Wancharoen
The BTS has apologised for a technical breakdown between the Chit Lom and Siam skytrain stations Wednesday morning that left hundreds of commuters and tourists stranded in all-day frustration.
The operator admitted announcements about the disruption failed to reach enough people.
Many passengers unaware of the disruption were caught in queues that extended to footpaths under some skytrain stations.
They were waiting to squeeze into overcrowded trains that arrived infrequently.
BTS director Anat Arbhabhirama said train technicians and staff did their best to bring the disrupted service back to normal and announce the delays to commuters.
Mr Anat said he realised the breakdown had inconvenienced passengers. "We want to express our sincere apologies to our valued customers for the inconvenience," he said.
The BTS, which is hired by City Hall to run the skytrain service which covers more than 23 kilometres, is not obliged to compensate people in this case, but passengers could receive refunds, he said.
The concession contract does not stipulate a fine if problems with the BTS service cause inconvenience for its passengers. It only requires the need to set up a committee, chaired by a deputy Bangkok governor, to supervise the contract, said a source at City Hall.
The BTS must report and answer questions raised by the committee during meetings which will be held every six months.
Evening update
Trains at Phya Thai BTS station were packed Wednesday afternoon, but people were clearly adjusting as the news of the BTS problem got out. Meanwhile, the BTS via twitter was promising to deal with the problem as quickly as possible, saying repairs will start after midnight when electricity can be cut. PATTARACHAI PREECHAPANICH
Social media is full of photos of a totally congested Siam BTS station, but a user also just posted a photo of an almost empty Saladaeng station nearby. That station, of course, is on the Silom line which has not been affected directly by the Sukhumvit line problem. It is also near the subway.
Late afternoon update
Ittipat Pinrarod of TV Channel NOW26 reports that repairs should take about four hours, starting after midnight.
Here's more via our online reporters and Thai PBS
Anat Arbhabhirama, director for Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, which operates the capital's two elevated electric train lines, says technicians hope to have repairs completed by the opening of service tomorrow.
Mr Anat said a switching problem has delayed each train arrival from the normal 2-3 minutes to 5-6 minutes.
This, of course, means that trains will likely be packed during tonight's rush hour, as will the streets below as many passengers seek alternatives.
Thai PBS has just reported from Siam station that trains are arriving more slowly than normal, but operations are going smoothly. Repairs cannot be carried out until after the night's service ends.
Noon update
Crowded inside, packed outside. BTS Mor Chit and all other Sukhumvit line stations are having a bad day. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL
PBS reports that the problem was discovered during an early-morning inspection before train service began for the day. It was deemed serious enough to stop the regular service on the Sukhumvit line, sending out a reduced number of trains to Siam and having them turn around and go back the other way. Delays are expected throughout the day, with trains arriving only every 5 to 7 minutes, according to a noon BTS announcement.
Switching problems at Siam quickly affected the whole Sukhumvit route. Here crowds queue up at Mor Chit, the beginning of the line. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL
Switching problem cripples BTS Sukhumvit Line
Online reporters
A switching problem that reduced frequencies and forced passengers to switch trains at Siam station created long lines and delays on Bangkok’s Skytrain mass-transit system Wednesday morning.
The problems, which began at 5am and were expected to continue all day, affect all passengers on the Sukhumvit Line between the Bearing and Mo Chit terminus stations, Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc said.
BTS, in essence, broke the single Sukhumvit Line into two segments, from Bearing to Siam, and Siam to Mo Chit, forcing all passengers to switch trains at the busy interchange with the Silom Line.
Video credit: YouTube user Nattawat Pheme
As a result, the total number of trains also was reduced, creating long lines and knock-on effects on other transit systems as BTS passenger looked for other options. The Mass Rail Transit Authority subway system also experienced heavier than normal congestion and ride-sharing service Uber increased rates by 40% to cash in on the increased demand.
The train operator said it would be unable to replace the defective equipment until the evening, setting up another nightmarish commute this evening.
Reports on Twitter indicated that Bangkok's many foreign commuters complained that BTS employees only made status updates in Thai, leaving tourists and expats in the dark on the troubles and required transfers.
Service on the Silom Line continued normally, although with heavier congestion.
BTS apologised early on its Twitter feed, in Thai, but made only two subsequent updates on its feed by 10am.
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