Blog - BKK #03: BTS SkyTrain
BKK #03: BTS SkyTrain
Bangkok's BTS SkyTrain (BTS stands for Bangkok Mass Transit System) is a fast way around some main areas of the city. The SkyTrain is fairly recent (about 10 years I think) and therefore looks quite modern.
The tracks are located above important streets, hence its name, and stations are accessed by stairways and escalators from the sidewalks.
To ride the SkyTrain, you have to buy a ticket that looks similar to prepaid train cards in Japan. One annoying thing is that the machines to buy tickets only accept coins, not bills. So most times we wanted to buy tickets we had to first go to the ticket counter, however this one doesn't let you buy tickets directly but only changes your money so that you can use the ticket machine...
Also it's not allowed to drink or eat on the platforms or in the train, which I thought was maybe a bit extreme (ok for eating, but I think one should be allowed to drink on a hot day).
The trains are quiet and a bit futuristic looking. Most are entirely covered by ads on their exterior, even doors and windows, this prevents from seeing inside the train from outside but still allows the opposite.
Click the thumbnails for larger images.
From left to right: inside the SkyTrain, station Phlong Chit on Sukhumvit line, inside the station.
More pictures at BTS site's gallery page.
Posted on September 15, 2004 at 15:01 | Tweet
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