The Future of Bangkok’s Sky Train

BANGKOK - April 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Proposals are in place to extend the lines of Bangkok’s mass transit system, or more commonly known as the BTS. Since starting operating on the 5^th December 1999, the “ridership” has grown rapidly. The BTS currently serves over six hundred thousand passengers per day over its 2 lines. The Sukhumvit line, beginning at Bearing and ending at Mo Chit, a total track length of over 22.25 kilometres, encompasses 22 stations including the interchange station at Siam. It also includes the Silom Line beginning at Bang Wa and ending at National Stadium which is approximately 14.2 kilometres in length and encompasses 13 Stations - including the interchange station at Siam.

The Sky Train is a vital means of transport for any commuter or traveller and, without it, Bangkok would grind to a halt. It’s integral to the lives of thousands of people living in Bangkok. Hundreds of condos have sprung up along the BTS lines with people favouring housing within a short distance of a BTS station.  Condos along the BTS line are ideal for investment opportunities as tenants are prepared to pay extra rental for the convenience of living along the BTS lines.

May 2009 saw the Silom Line extend from Saphan Taksin-Wong Wian Yai. New condos went up and a whole new area became available that offers good quality housing solutions. This was mirrored in August 2011 on the Sukhumvit line. An extension has opened from On Nut to Bearing which has resulted in new condos being built. Previously, tenants were reluctant to live past On Nut. Some of Thailand’s major developers have started construction which includes:  Ideo Mix, The Room at 62, Centric Scene and SS Condo to name but a few…

There is a lot more planned for the BTS and construction on some routes are already underway. Construction has begun on the Easter line from Bearing to Samut Prakan, another 12.6 Kilometres of track that is due to be completed in late 2015. An extension to the north line is planned which will add 11.4 kilometres of track and 11 stations. Saphan Mai to Khoo Kut put another 4 stations is under tender, whilst another 9km is also planned for Khoo Kut to Lam Lukka.

It’s not just the BTS that’s extending. The MRT also has plans for extensions and the construction on some lines is also underway. The SRT (who own the airport link) also plan on extending to the Bangkok’s second Airport, Don Muang, 21.8 Kilometres in length and another 5 stations. Whether or not all of these proposals reach fruition remains to be seen,  it does seem however that the appetite is there and that people will inevitably use the new extensions. It also seems inevitable that new condos will appear along these new lines as this has happened in the past…

If you’re looking for a condo or an apartment along the BTS and MRT lines of Bangkok, please contact us at http://www.rentbangkokcondos.com/  as we have choices to fit all budgets.