The Skytrain is Launched

As promised the BTS Skytrain service was launched on 5th December 1999, to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the King of Thailand. The first day was marred by the failure of the automatic resulting in long queues and waiting time of up to one hour.

But this was not to deter Bangkokians, as it seemed despite the delay and the cost everyone wanted to try the service. The section from Sukhumvit Rd to Morchit was particularly popular with families combining a ride on the skytrain with a visit to the Weekend Market.

Once onboard it took just 19 smooth and comfortable minutes to travel between Emporium shopping mall to Morchit at a cost of Baht 40. I made the return journey by air-conditioned bus which although it only cost Baht 12 it did take 50 minutes. The difference speaks for itself. I know that whenever I get a chance to use the Skytrain, I will take it.

This morning, the first working day after the long weekend holiday, I was pleased to be able to report that all the first day's problems have now been resolved. I put Baht 20 in the automatic ticket machine, got my tickets and had an un-crowded, comfortable ride to the office to file this story. For once I didn't arrive suffering from traffic-rage. If only every journey in Bangkok were the same.

For the frequent user a Stored Value card worth Baht 300 has been introduced. As a special promotion the normal Baht 30 deposit has been waived reducing the cost to Baht 270.

For more details about BTS Skytrain visit their website at www.bts.co.th.