The Bangkok Public Transport System (BTS) is better known to locals and tourists as the "Skytrain". The elevated train has been operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC) since 1999. BTSC is a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings, under a franchise granted by the Bangkok Urban Management Agency (BMA).
The system includes 43 stations along two routes: Sukhumvit Line running north and east, ending at Mo Chit and Kheha respectively, and Silom Line serving Silom and Sathon streets, Bangkok's central commercial zone, ending at the National Stadium and Bang Wa. There is also a connecting route from the city to Suvarnabhumi airport. In addition to elevated metro, Bangkok's rapid transportation system includes subway (MRT) lines.
Initially, in the years after Skytrain was launched, Bangkokers were not interested and avoided it, but gradually fell in love with the elevated metro. Now, BTS is an important part of Bangkok's public transport system with an increasing number of passengers every year.
Bangkok's elevated train system has 52 trains, each consisting of 4 cars. Here are 10 things to know before traveling on Skytrain, according to The Thaiger, to see the similarities and differences of the Cat Linh - Ha Dong train.
1. No one reads newspapers or magazines on Skytrain
The future of marketing activities is clearly focused on when traveling on the BTS Skytrain train. No one reads newspapers or magazines and estimates that 86% of travelers will look at their smartphones at least once during their trips on BTS.
The train cars are flooded with advertisements, marketing messages and brands. The stations are also equipped with many large screens and advertisements. With 663,000 daily users on Skytrain, Bangkok's elevated metro basically earns more money from advertising than ticket sales until 2013.
2. One Day Pass
For tourists who do not have many days in Bangkok, day tickets are suitable for those planning to go to 2 or more places in a day. Day tickets will help save a lot of time, especially during rush hours when queuing to buy tickets can make you more frustrated.
However, if the destinations are less than 5 stations apart, use one-way tickets. Each Skytrain station has passenger support staff.
BTS currently does not have (but can change at any time) preferential tickets for senior passengers or any discount programs, although there are discounts for people over 60 taking the metro.
3. Be careful with automatic doors
Automatic ticket checking opened and closed very quickly, in just a few seconds. When you tap the ticket or notification code, the door will open very quickly and close. If not used, passengers may be confused or stuck.
4. Do not bring durian to the ship
Thais like durian, but this fruit is not brought to BTS or MRT. Not only durian, but also all "smelly" items cannot be brought onto the ship. With security staff checking bags at many stations - they will detect durian much faster than detecting any type of weapon.
5. Waiting for passengers to get out first before getting on the train
One of the most uncomfortable things about traveling on BTS or MRT is when passengers start rushing in while you are still trying to get off the train. Let everyone out first. BTS and MRT will make a signal before the doors close.
6. Go to the right
Avoid going to the right if you want to stand on a escalator, just step to the left if you want to walk up or down a escalator.
7. Avoid peak hours
If you don't like crowds, avoid BTS stations at 7-9am and 5-7pm. Imagine 10 million people needing to move in the inner city of Bangkok. You may have to wait a few ships to get a chance to board.
8. Understand the first and last train schedule
BTS's first train from Mo Chit and Bearing stations departs at 5:15 a.m. and the last leaves at midnight. For the Silom route, trains start at 5:30 am and run until midnight. The metro runs from 6am to midnight every day. The station gate will be closed about 10 minutes before the last train arrives.
9. No toilets on trains or at stations
There are no public toilets on elevated trains or subway trains, nor at the station. Fortunately, there are many shopping malls next to some stations where you can use public toilets. While MRT and BTS are the fastest ways to get around Bangkok, if the destinations are far apart, you may need to plan your search for a restroom in advance.
10. Don't confuse Korean boy band BTS
If you type BTS to search on Google, you will get millions of information about RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, V and Jungkook - seven members of BTS (from their name in Korean), the world's largest pop group at the moment. If you want to learn about Bangkok's elevated metro, type "BTS Bangkok".
