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The
BTS Sky Train
 The
BTS Skytrain is the safest, most comfortable and convenient way
to get around Bangkok. In service since December 5, 1999, it has
transformed the face of public transportation in the Thai capital,
for the first time offering both residents and visitors a comfortable
ride through central Bangkok - lifting commuters above the chronic
congestion, noise and pollution of the streets below.
Our modern electrified trains transport Bangkok's commuters in
wide air-conditioned cars, saving them time with quick, reliable
service. The BTS SkyTrain's high-capacity operating system ensures
almost no breakdowns and a virtual 100% punctuality. Each train
can carry over 1,000 passengers while a similar number of people
would use 800 cars, making the BTS Skytrain the most environmentally
friendly mass transit system in Thailand.
Currently there are two routes, the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom
Line. They cover much of the central city and its many commercial,
residential and tourist areas, with extensions planned to outlying
areas. The trains run daily between 6:00 am and 12:00 midnight with
frequent service throughout the day, increased during rush hours.
The fare is based on the distance traveled.
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 Operating
System
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 The
BTS SkyTrain operates as a high-capacity mass transit system, standard
for a large modern metropolis. The system uses dual tracks, running
in opposite directions, elevated with concrete support. The trains
are electrified via a third rail.
Each train consists of 3 passenger cars and can be operated to
run in either direction from a conductor’s cab located at each
end of the train. The body of the train is constructed of stainless
steel and contains a centrally controlled air-conditioning system
and sunshield windows. Each car is 3.2 m wide and 21.8 m long with
a combined capacity to carry up to 1,000 passengers.
The BTS SkyTrain has strict quality control and maintenance procedures
in place in order to maintain all of our rolling stock, equipment
and tracks with maximum safety and efficiency. We use a centralized
computer system to manage all our maintenance work, detect and quickly
fix any failures or malfunctions, and order spare parts or equipment.
Service & Maintenance
Track Work
 Our
tracks are currently 55 km long, serving a total of 480 trips, or
1,100 km per day. Proper track maintenance is crucial for safety
and consistency of service; therefore the tracks are checked daily
after service hours. Any problem has to be fixed within 3 hours
(from 1.00 am - 4.00 am), in order for the system to resume normal
operations by 6.00 am.
Rolling Stock
 BTS
SkyTrain maintains a total of 35 trains (rolling stock) in our system.
Trains are maintained on a regular basis and are scheduled to undergo
major maintenance work once every 6 years. The electrification system
we have in place is not only high-tech but tested and proven to
have no environmental impact. Here are some important highlights
of our operating system:
1. Seamlessly welded tracks minimize noise of passing trains.
2. The track support system designed for maximum shock absorption.
3. The wheel suspension system absorbs vibrations and decreases
noise caused by friction between wheels and track.
4. The curved sections of the tracks have a gauge that's slightly
wider from the rest of the tracks to decrease friction between wheels
and track and are also lubricated to minimize noise.
5. An electrical brake system is used. This allows the train motor
to be transformed into an electrical generator that works to stop
the train and feeds electricity back into the system. Mechanical
brakes are applied when the train is running at speeds lower than
8 km per hour. The mechanical disc brake uses a highly efficient
anti-sliding system. The tracks are bordered by a noise barrier
not only to decrease noise levels but also improve the system's
overall aesthetic quality.
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