TheBangkok Mass Transit System, commonly known as theBTS Skytrain (Thai:รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอสRTGS: rot fai fa[BTS]), is an elevatedrapid transit system inBangkok,Thailand. It is operated byBangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), a subsidiary ofBTS Group Holdings, under a concession granted by theBangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) which owns the lines. The system consists of 62 stations along three lines with a combinedroute length of 70.05 kilometers (43.53 mi). TheBTS Sukhumvit Line runs northwards and south-eastwards, terminating atKhu Khot andKheha respectively. TheBTS Silom Line which serves Silom and Sathon Roads, the central business district of Bangkok, terminates atNational Stadium andBang Wa. TheGold Line people mover runs fromKrung Thon Buri toKlong San and servesIconsiam. The lines interchange atSiam station andKrung Thon Buri. The system is formally known as "The Elevated Train in Commemoration of HM the King's 6th Cycle Birthday" (รถไฟฟ้าเฉลิมพระเกียรติ 6 รอบ พระชนมพรรษา).
Besides the three BTS lines,Bangkok's rapid transit system includes the underground and elevatedMass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, theBus Rapid Transit System (BRT), and the elevatedAirport Rail Link (ARL), serving several stations before reachingSuvarnabhumi Airport, and theSRT Red Lines of theState Railway of Thailand.
 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Plans for mass transit in Bangkok began in the early 1980s. An early version of the Skytrain project was known as theLavalin Skytrain because it was designed using theVancouver SkyTrain as a model, adopting technology developed bySNC-Lavalin. Due to political interference, the concession with Lavalin was cancelled in June 1992,[3] despite Bangkok's chronictraffic congestion. TheThai government focused on increasing road andexpresswayinfrastructure in an attempt to reduce congestion. This had little impact, as the number of cars on the road continued to increase dramatically. The routes considered as part of the Skytrain project would become the basis for theMRT system and are mainly underground. In the early 1990s, foundations and a viaduct for the Lavalin Skytrain were constructed in the middle of thePhra Pok Klao Bridge across theChao Phraya River. The viaduct was redeveloped into asky park in June 2020.
Another abortive attempt at building an elevated rail network was theBangkok Elevated Road and Train System (BERTS), which was terminated in 1998 after only 13.77 percent had been completed.[4]
Shortly after it became clear that the Lavalin Skytrain had stalled, then-Governor Major GeneralChamlong Srimuang asked his deputy, CaptainKritsada Arunwong na Ayutthaya, to create a new feeder system with a route alongSukhumvit andSilom Roads. Krisda and his team from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) succeeded in finding a private investor. Krisda also convinced everyone concerned to allow the city supervise the project.Keeree Kanjanapas founded the Bangkok Transit System Corporation (BTSC) and it successfully financed the system and grew it from a feeder system to a full mass transit project.Thanayong Public Company Limited[5]Thai:บริษัท ธนายง จำกัด (มหาชน)) had a 28 percent stake in BTSC when the Skytrain began, and therefore in its early days the system was sometimes referred to as the "Thanayong Skytrain".
Siemens, the supplier of the railway technology, and the Thai contractor, Italian Thai Development, built the system for BTSC. The "Skytrain" name was bestowed later by the press following the Vancouver example where the elevated metro had been named "Skytrain". Originally, the Skytrain depot was to be built underneathLumphini Park, but due to widespread objections from Bangkok residents it was constructed on a parcel of land onPhahonyothin Road, replacing the old northern/northeastern bus terminal (Mo Chit). The current depot at Mo Chit is part of the proposed "Bangkok Terminal" project, where a large complex composed of a new regional bus terminal,park and ride facility, and other commercial development can be built directly above it.
The Skytrain system was opened on 5 December 1999[6] by PrincessMaha Chakri Sirindhorn. It initially had lower-than-predicted ridership, with 200,000 passenger trips per day. Ticket revenue was only enough to meet the trains' operating cost, and not sufficient to service construction loans. The Skytrain's daily passenger numbers have steadily increased since then. On 9 December 2005, more than 500,000 single trips were made on the Skytrain on a single day for the first time. By September 2012, the Skytrain served around 600,000 passengers on an average day, increasing to 650,000 on an average weekday in 2013. A record 760,000 passengers traveled on Sunday, 22 December 2013, a day of mass political protest in Bangkok.[7] The normal Sunday average is 400,000 passengers. The BTS had a fleet of 52 four-car trains (208 carriages) by 2017. 46 new four-car trains (184 carriages) were ordered to address growing capacity requirements of the existing lines to cater for the Sukhumvit Line extensions south to Kheha and north to Khu Khot. They were delivered from 2018 to 2020.[8]: 51
On 5 March 2020, the BTS made a song about theCOVID-19 pandemic, as an antidote to the grim warnings about the coronavirus, showing the staff dancing and keeping hygiene.[9][10]
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
The system's stations are all elevated and designed with three distinct levels.[11] At street level, passengers can access the stations via stairs, escalators, and lifts. This level also typically houses supporting utility equipment like generators and water tanks, often situated on traffic islands.
The first elevated level houses the ticket booths, small kiosk-style shops, and fare gates. Passengers can reach the second level (or the third level in the case ofSiam station) using stairs, lifts, and escalators. This level is dedicated to the platforms and rails. Most stations adopt aside platform layout, with the notable exceptions of Siam Station, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao Station, andSamrong, which utilize island platforms. Siam Station featuresisland platforms to enable easycross-platform interchange between the two lines of the system.Saphan Taksin uses a unique single-track side platform layout due to space constraints.
The platform design accommodates the precise positioning of train doors, with equal distances between doors in all cars. Markings on the platform indicate where the doors will align once the train stops. Although the platforms are constructed to support six-car trains,[12] currently, only four-car trains are operational. For added safety and assistance, security personnel are stationed at every platform and in the ticketing halls.
The Skytrain system in Thailand features five key stations – Sala Daeng, Asok, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, Bang Wa, and Mo Chit – that serve as interchanges with theMetropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) system. Additionally, the Saphan Taksin station is conveniently connected to the adjacent Sathon Pier, which is a stop for theChao Phraya Express Boat services.[13] Many of these stations are also connected to nearby buildings and public amenities throughskybridges, providing easy and convenient access for pedestrians.
Since 2014,platform screen doors (half size) have been installed in several stations including On Nut, Phrom Phong, Asok, Chit Lom, Siam, Thong Lor, Phaya Thai, Victory Monument, Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi and Surasak.[14] However, it's noteworthy that the installation process has not been without issues. For instance, the installation at Phrom Phong station in December 2013 led to a software problem, resulting in a six-hour shutdown of all BTS services. This shutdown caused significant traffic congestion in the city.[15]
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Fares are determined by distance.[16]
Passengers can purchase single-journey tickets from ticket machines at all stations. These tickets are tapped at the fares gates to enter and inserted at the fare gates to exit, where they are retained. Additionally, passengers can purchase single-journey tickets to any station on theMRT Pink Line andMRT Yellow Line. This is possible becauseWat Phra Si Mahathat station has paid-area integration between the Sukhumvit Line and the MRT Pink Line. At Samrong station, passengers transferring between theSukhumvit Line and theMRT Yellow Line must insert their single-journey ticket into the fare gates. The fare gates will then return the ticket, which passengers can tap at the other fare gates to continue their journey.
In 2007, the BTS Smartpass was introduced. The BTS Smartpass was a stored-value card that could be used to travel across the BTS Skytrain network.[17]
In 2012, the BTS Smartpass was replaced by the Rabbit Card. The Rabbit Card is a more advanced stored-value card, not only covering fares for the BTS and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), but also functioning as a payment method for various restaurants, stores and services associated with the BTS.[18][19]
The Rabbit Card is not compatible with any other rail or bus network in Bangkok, such as the MRT or SRT. In contrast, these rail networks accept EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) contactless payment, allowing passengers to use their credit or debit cards directly at the fare gates. TheMangmoom Card, designed for use across multiple rail and bus networks, has experienced several delays. Originally planned for a 2015 launch, it is not yet valid for use on the BTS Skytrain as of 2026.[20]
At its opening, the BTS had 23 stations on its two lines: 17 on theSukhumvit Line and 7 on theSilom Line, with both lines interchanging at Siam. Since then, 30 additional stations have opened on the Sukhumvit Line and 6 on the Silom Line, with the latest new three stations atGold Line.[citation needed]
| Line Name | Commencement | Last Extension | Next Extension | Terminus | Length (km) | Stations | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid Transit | |||||||
| Sukhumvit Line | 5 December 1999; 26 years ago (1999-12-05) | 16 December 2020; 5 years ago (2020-12-16) | TBA | Khu Khot | Kheha | 53.58 km (33.29 mi) | 47 |
| Silom Line | 8 February 2021; 5 years ago (2021-02-08) | National Stadium | Bang Wa | 14.67 km (9.12 mi) | 14 | ||
| People Mover | |||||||
| Gold Line | 16 December 2020; 5 years ago (2020-12-16) | – | TBA | Krung Thon Buri | Khlong San | 1.80 km (1.12 mi) | 3 |
| Total | 70.05 km (43.53 mi) | 64 | |||||
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
In 2002, the cabinet of then Prime MinisterThaksin Shinawatra amended laws in order to allow private firms to finance the cost of operating the train system, while the government would undertake civil engineering works to build new extensions.
Timeline of BTS openings
On 18 October 2005, with no approval from the central government forthcoming,Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided to fund and complete the 2.2 kilometers (1.4 mi) Silom Line route extension to Krung Thon Buri Station (S7) and Wongwian Yai Station (S8). Construction began on 13 December 2005 with completion originally expected within two years. However, problems with the tendering and installation of a new Bombardier open signalling system repeatedly pushed back the schedule. The extension finally opening on 15 May 2009. However, the single platformSaphan Taksin station which has only one track, has caused repeated delays during rush hour. In 2012, the BMA announced plans to demolish Saphan Taksin station in the future. There are now plans to construct new platforms and remove the bottleneck and keep the station which provides an important link between river boats. The plan includes redesigning the road bridges either side of the viaduct to fit the new station.
A second extension, the 5.25 km On Nut station (E9) to Bearing station (E14) started construction in August 2006.[22] The 4 billion baht extension was again funded by the BMA.[23] The original scheduled opening date was mid-2009. However, an unusual, prolonged delay in the tendering of the contract for the electrical and signals resulted in a two-year delay. "The senior City Hall official responsible for making the purchase has apparently stalled the scheme over fears of being investigated if something went wrong with the purchase."[24]
The BTSC was contracted by the BMA to run the extension. Subsequently, the extension did not open until over two years later on 12 August 2011. The delay in opening prompted the BMA to offer free travel for this extension until the end of 2011 as compensation. A flat fare separate from the distance based fare normal in the BTS network was then charged for this section. However, distance based fares are now used for this extension.
The third extension to the network, a 5.3 km, four station extension from Wongwian Yai (S8) to Bang Wa (S12) in Phasi Charoen District began construction in the 2nd quarter of 2011 with a deadline of the end of 2012. Only the stations had to be constructed as the viaduct had been completed some years prior. However, construction was delayed for many months by the2011 Thailand floods. It eventually opened in stages. Pho Nimit opened on 12 January 2013, Talat Phlu opened on 14 February 2013, with the last two stations opening on 5 December 2013.[25] For most of 2013, passengers changed platforms and trains at Wongwian Yai for a shuttle service to S09 and S10 as there was no turnout at S10 for through trains. Since the opening of the final section of the extension to Bang Wa station on 5 December 2013, this is no longer the case.
Construction started in April 2012 for a 12.6 km (7.8 mi), seven station extension fromBearing station (E14) to Samut Prakan Station (E23). The extension is being built byCh. Karnchang.[26] Two stations (E18 & E22) will be built at a later date. The extension was funded by the MRTA as it is outside BMA city limits. The extension was planned to open in 2017. In April 2013, the MRTA awarded Ch Karnchang the contract for track laying and electrical systems.[27] Construction was completed in 2017, but arguments over who should operate the line delayed the opening. One station,Samrong opened earlier, on 3 April 2017. The full extension opened on 6 December 2018 and the BTSC has announced that the free travel concession on this section will continue until the new train sets arrive to allow for the new section to be fully functional.
An 11.4 km, 12 station northern extension fromMo Chit station toSaphan Mai inDon Mueang District has been planned since the Sukhumvit Line opened. Originally, this extension was scheduled to be completed by 2008. However, due to a combination of changes in government, a prolonged environmental study, and problems with locating a suitable train depot, the extension has been continually delayed.
A further 16.5 km, nine station extension from Saphan Mai to Lam Lukka was also planned once the extension to Saphan Mai had been completed. This was subsequently split into two extensions. A 7.5 km, four station extension to Khu Khot and a 9 km, five station extension along Lam Luk Ka Road to Lam Luk Ka.
Due to the significant delay in the northern extension plans, in mid-2013 it was decided by the MRTA to tender extensions (1) & (2) at the same time by the end of 2013. However, the dissolution of parliament in November 2013 delayed this yet again. A tender was finally released in January 2014[28] with an April deadline before being delayed until late May 2014 due to concerns from bidders.[29]
Amilitary coup in late-May suspended the bidding process while the military administration reviewed all major projects. In late-June, the military administration affirmed the tender which will proceed before the end of 2014. In mid-August, the MRTA announced that the new tender deadline would be 30 September 2014.[30] Five bidders qualified with successful bids to be announced by December.[31] The contract to construct the line for both extensions (1) & (2) was finally signed in April 2015 and the full extension was scheduled to open in 2020.[32][33]
Testing of the final 9.8 km, 7 station section from Wat Phra Sri Mahathat (N17) to Khu Khot (N24) began on 5 October and continued until the full extension opens.[34] It was officially inaugurated on 16 December 2020 by the Prime Minister.[35]
Opening dates
In 2018, it was decided to finally build the missingSaint Louis BTS Station (S4) station (originally named Sueksa Wittaya), the EIA was finalised in March 2019.[36] Construction of the station began in August 2019 and by the end of 2019 had reached 25% progress.[37] By August 2020, construction had reached 50% but was 30% behind schedule due to COVID related delays.[38]
The station opened on 8 February 2021.[39]
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
BTS Group Holdings will tender to operate more BTS and MRT lines in the future through financing from its BTS Rail Mass Transit Growth Infrastructure Fund after it received approval from the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2013. The IPO raised US$2.1 billion, the largest in Thailand's history.[40]
A further 9 km, five station extension from Khu Khot station to Wongwaen-Lam Luk Ka station is planned to be constructed by 2029.[citation needed]
After the opening of Wutthakat (S11) and Bang Wa (S12) stations 5 December 2013, the BMA announced a new proposal to further extended the Silom Line by 7 km fromBang Wa (S12) station, by six stations toTaling Chan.[41] At Taling Chan it would connect with theSRT Light Red line.
A public hearing was held in 2015.[42] Three route options were considered, with construction intended to start in 2017.[43] Part of the basis for this further extension by the BMA is that it would provide proximate access to the Southern Bus Terminal. The BMA Transport and Traffic Office completed an economic evaluation of the extension in October 2018 which found a cost benefit ratio of 2.37.[44] The study recommended that an EIA be completed in 2019 but this was delayed.[citation needed]
In 2022, Department of Rail Transport ("DRT") was announced that the Silom Line will be part of the new M-Map 2 action plan. This plan will be extended the Silom Line from Bang Wa (S12) to Bang Rak Noi Tha It (S23) on the Ratchaphruek road by 18 kilometers and 11 stations. The first part of the extension will be end at Taling Chan (S16) to connect with the SRT Light Red line. The second part of the extension will be end at Bang Rak Noi Tha It (S23) inNonthaburi province to connect with theMRT Purple Line at currentMRT station. In this extension, DRT proposed the new main depot to separate the system depot from the Sukhumvit Line. Which make the Silom Line will be completely standalone system. However, the extension will be start until theSaphan Taksin station (S6) was renovated into double track.[citation needed]
The Silom Line is planned to be extended by one or two stations west along Rama 1 from National Stadium (W1) to link with theSRT Dark Red Line at Yot Se station. However, no time frame for this extension has been announced and this section of theSRT Dark Red Line will not be built until after 2022.[citation needed]
Originally, the plan was to extend the Silom Line west from National Stadium into Chinatown, then north to Democracy Monument where it would then run west to Rattanakosin Island and Sanam Luang, tunnel under the river to the Thonburi side before terminating at Phran Nok. However, this plan was shelved in 2009 and much of this route has been replaced by routing changes to the plannedMRT Orange Line.[citation needed]
| Future plans | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line Name | Name | Planned opening date | Terminus | Length (km) | Stations | Status | |
| Rapid Transit | |||||||
| Sukhumvit Line | Lam Luk Ka Extension | TBA | Khu Khot | Eastern Ring Road Lam Luk Ka | 7.8 km (4.8 mi) | 4 | Postponed |
| Tamru Extension | Kheha | Tamru | 10.1 km (6.3 mi) | 4 | |||
| Infill station betweenAri andSaphan Khwai stations |  Sena Ruam | - | 1 | ||||
| Silom Line | Yot Se Extension | National Stadium | Yot Se | 1.2 km (0.75 mi) | 1 | Planning | |
| Bang Wa to Taling Chan Section | Bang Wa | Taling Chan | 7.94 km (4.93 mi) | 6 | |||
| Taling Chan to Bang Rak Noi Tha It Section | Taling Chan | Bang Rak Noi Tha It | 8.60 km (5.34 mi) | 7 | |||
| People Mover | |||||||
| Gold Line | Prachadhipok Extension | TBA | Khlong San | Prachadhipok | 1.2 km (0.75 mi) | 1 | Postponed |
| Total | 36.84 km (22.89 mi) | 24 | |||||
Terminal stations and physical ends of their lines areKhu Khot,Kheha,National Stadium,Bang Wa.[citation needed]
Some trains terminate early and resume travel in the opposite direction atKasetsart University,Mo Chit, andSamrong. This allows more frequent trains on the central sections of the lines without added investment in carriages.[citation needed]
| This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2025) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
The BTS Skytrain uses two variations ofelectric multiple unitrolling stock. All operate on1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)standard gauge. All trains have four doors on each side per car, an air-conditioning unit, and LCD monitors for public announcement and advertising. Public announcements are spoken by actressRatklao Amaradit [th]. The power supply for all trains is at 750 V DC from thethird rail.
The rolling stock of BTS Skytrain, in use when the line opened in 1999, consisted of 35Siemens Modular Metro trains fromSiemens. These initial trains had three cars, two motor cars and one trailer in the center. The Sukhumvit Line used 20 trains, and the Silom Line had 15.
After the 12 new car CNR trains were delivered for the Silom Line in December 2010, the 15 Siemens trains on the Silom Line were transferred to the Sukhumvit Line.
To increase capacity, in October 2010, BTSC ordered an extra 35 single cars from Siemens to make each train a four car set.[45][46]
These extra cars were progressively introduced into operation from November 2012 to March 2013, when all 35 sets of Siemens rolling stock finally became four car sets.[47]
The Silom Line cars have been modified to support a signaling system fromBombardier Transportation since the extension fromSaphan Taksin toWong Wian Yai.
EMU-A1 Formation[48]
| ←Bang Wa,Kheha National Stadium,Khu Khot → | ||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | M1 | Tc1 | Tc2 | M2 |
| Length(mm) | 21,800 | 21,500 | 21,500 | 21,800 |
| Numbering | 1101 1103 1105 : 1169 | 3101 3102 3103 : 3135 | 3201 3202 3203 : 3235 | 1102 1104 1106 : 1170 |
• Car 3 was added later
_Station.jpg)
To serve the Sukhumvit Line Extension (East) BTSC ordered 22 new Siemens four-car trains from a consortium ofSiemens andBozankaya in May 2016.[49]
These trains were manufactured in the Bozankaya factory in Ankara,Turkey. Siemens supplied bogies, traction, braking, and auxiliary systems and was responsible for project management, development, construction, and commissioning of the trains. Siemens will also take on service and maintenance for 16 years.
The first set of the new batch of rolling stock arrived in early August 2018 for testing and approval by the BTSC. These new trains increase capacity from 1,490 passengers per train to 1,572.[50][51] As of the opening of the new Sukhumvit Line extension to Kheha Samut Prakan on 6 December 2018, only 3 sets of the 22 sets had been delivered. This resulted in a limited 10-minute frequency, shuttle service for the new extension as an interim measure until more rolling stock is delivered. All 22 vehicles began their operation on 5 December 2019.[52]
The train features: Perch Seats, LCD Dynamic Route Map (AKA. Passengers Information Display)
| ←Bang Wa,Kheha National Stadium,Khu Khot → | ||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | M1 | Tc1 | Tc2 | M2 |
| Length(mm) | 21,800 | 21,500 | 21,500 | 21,800 |
| Numbering | 1353 : 1374 | 3153 : 3174 | 3253 : 3274 | 1453 : 1474 |
In early 2008, the BTSC ordered 12 new trains (12 sets of four cars) fromChangchun Railway Vehicles (EMU B class) to cater for the then soon to open Wong Wian Yai extension of the Silom Line. Their design was modified to the existing BTS's Siemens Modular Metro. The new trains were delivered late and only began service the Silom Line in December 2010. This was some 18 months after theWong Wian Yai andKrung Thonburi stations were opened in May 2009 during which time there was severe overcrowding on the Silom Line.
These trains consist of two-motor cars and two-trailer cars (i.e., four-car trainset) and feature LCD TVs for public announcements and advertising. An advanced digital voice announcement (DVA) and passenger information systems was installed.
In September 2011, the BTSC ordered five more four-car trainsets of CNR rolling stock for 1.5 billion baht to prepare for the Silom Line extension toBang Wa which was then due to open in December 2012.[53] These five new train sets of rolling stock entered service on 29 November 2013 after the first two stations of the Silom Line extension to Bang Wa opened in January and February 2013, respectively. This second batch of CNR EMUs (B Class) differ slightly from the first batch in exterior fitting out such as with the LCDs screens, LED route displays, signage, and passenger communication units.
EMU-B1/B2 Formation
| ←Bang Wa,Kheha National Stadium,Khu Khot → | ||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Tc1 | M1 | M2 | Tc2 |
| Length(mm) | 21,860 | 21,770 | 21,770 | 21,860 |
| Numbering | 1936 : 1952 | 2936 : 2952 | 2836 : 2852 | 1836 : 1852 |
In May 2016, BTSC has signed a contract to order 24 more four-car trains ofCRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles rolling stock to prepare for the Sukhumvit Line extension (North) and to cater for increasing demand, with expected delivery in 2018.[49]
It has delivered 24 of its cars to Mo Chit Depot. 24 cars are now operating its service on the Silom Line and Sukhumvit Line (Car 75–98). These vehicles began their operation with the launch of the northern extension in December 2019.[54]
This train features: Perch Seats, LCD Dynamic Route Map (AKA. Passengers Information Display)
| ←Bang Wa,Kheha National Stadium,Khu Khot → | ||||
| Car No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Mc1 | T1 | T2 | Mc2 |
| Length(mm) | 21,860 | 21,770 | 21,770 | 21,860 |
| Numbering | 1975 : 1998 | 2975 : 2998 | 2875 : 2898 | 1875 : 1898 |
| Year | Daily ridership | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 383,635 | ||||||||
| 2007 | 361,977 | ||||||||
| 2008 | 372,551 | ||||||||
| 2009 | 386,145 | ||||||||
| 2010 | 392,376 | ||||||||
| 2011 | 458,275 | ||||||||
| 2012 | 530,422 | ||||||||
| 2013 | 571,855 | ||||||||
| 2014 | 598,984 | ||||||||
| 2015 | 629,218 | ||||||||
| 2016 | 647,752 | ||||||||
| 2017 | 657,784 | ||||||||
| 2018 | 658,123 | ||||||||
Source:[citation needed] | |||||||||
The first years of operations saw limited ridership. The line had few direct ramps into malls and lacked escalators. Little by little, while escalators were installed and side bridges added, patronage increased. The opening ofSiam Paragon Mall in 2004, at the time Thailand's most luxurious mall, boosted crowds at the system's central Siam station. The redevelopment of theRatchaprasong andSiam districts as well as new "skywalks" fostered growing accessibility.[citation needed]
Ridership grew steadily with incremental expansion of the lines, and at peak hour, the trains sometimes depart without being able to take all waiting passengers. Average daily ridership first surpassed 200,000 in June 2001, 300,000 in November 2003, 400,000 in March 2006, 500,000 in August 2011, 600,000 in August 2013 and 700,000 in November 2017.[55] Ridership decreased significantly during theCOVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.
From 25 January to 31 January 2025, Prime MinisterPaetongtarn Shinawatra has implemented a policy of free public transportation in Bangkok for one week. This measure aims to address the worsening air pollution caused by surging dust levels across all districts of the capital.[56]
| BTS Skytrain Ridership | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Quarter | Quarterly Ridership | Daily Ridership | Annual Ridership | Remarks |
| 1999 | 169,842 | 4,585,743[55] | BTS fromMo Chit toOn Nut, and BTS fromNational Stadium toSaphan Taksin opened. | ||
| 2000 | 150,469 | 55,092,671 | |||
| 2001 | 202,685 | 74,025,652 | |||
| 2002 | 256,033 | 93,493,981 | |||
| 2003 | 280,379 | 102,348,697 | |||
| 2004 | 316,068 | 115,681,448 | Mo Chit andSala Daeng stations became connecting stations to MRT | ||
| 2005 | 348,795 | 127,350,084 | |||
| 2006 | 383,635 | 140,048,849 | |||
| 2007 | 361,977 | 132,070,502 | |||
| 2008 | 372,551 | 136,350,007 | |||
| 2009 | 386,145 | 140,957,969 | BTS extended fromSaphan Taksin toWongwian Yai. | ||
| 2010 | 392,376 | 143,102,971 | Phaya Thai station became a connecting station to ARL | ||
| 2011 | 458,275 | 167,348,070 | BTS extended fromOn Nut toBearing. | ||
| 2012 | 530,422 | 194,113,068 | |||
| 2013 | 571,855 | 208,764,971 | BTS extended fromWongwian Yai toBang Wa. | ||
| 2014 | 598,984 | 219,422,367 | |||
| 2015 | 629,218 | 229,853,593 | |||
| 2016 | 647,752 | 237,047,435 | |||
| 2017 | Q1 | 62,946,441 | 699,405 | 241,067,194 | |
| Q2 | 60,863,929 | 668,835 | BTS extended fromBearing toSamrong on 3 April 2017. | ||
| Q3 | 65,172,468 | 708,370 | |||
| Q4 | 63,745,855 | 692,890 | |||
| 2018 | Q1 | 63,045,888 | 700,510 | 252,728,693[57] | |
| Q2 | 59,978,033 | 659,100 | |||
| Q3 | 64,294,989 | 698,859 | |||
| Q4 | 65,374,718 | 710,595 | BTS extended fromSamrong toKheha 6 December 2018. | ||
| 2019 | Q1 | 66,097,625 | 734,419 | 272,019,716 | |
| Q2 | 64,822,835 | 712,339 | |||
| Q3 | 70,115,254 | 762,123 | BTS extended fromMo Chit toHa Yaek Lat Phrao on 9 August 2019. Bang Wa station became a connecting station to MRT on 24 August 2019. | ||
| Q4 | 70,984,002 | 771,566 | BTS extended fromHa Yaek Lat Phrao toKasetsart University on 4 December 2019. | ||
| 2020 | Q1 | 59,291,978 | 651,561 | 182,192,995 | 1st wave ofCOVID-19 outbreaks (January 2020 - May 2020) BTS extended fromKasetsart University toWat Phra Si Mahathat on 5 June 2020. |
| Q2 | 22,939,540 | 252,083 | |||
| Q3 | 48,955,508 | 532,126 | |||
| Q4 | 51,005,969 | 554,413 | 2nd wave ofCOVID-19 outbreaks (December 2020 - February 2021) BTS extended fromWat Phra Si Mahathat toKhu Khot on 16 December 2020. | ||
| 2021 | Q1 | 38,232,160 | 424,802 | 108,173,568 | |
| Q2 | 22,526,522 | 241,545 | 3rd wave ofCOVID-19 outbreaks (April 2021 - June 2021) | ||
| Q3 | 15,183,932 | 165,043 | 4th wave ofCOVID-19 outbreaks (July 2021 - early 2022) | ||
| Q4 | 32,230,954 | 350,336 | |||
| 2022 | Q1 | 33,475,581 | 371,951 | 194,380,472 | |
| Q2 | 42,464,069 | 466,639 | |||
| Q3 | 55,921,417 | 607,842 | |||
| Q4 | 62,519,405 | 679,559 | |||
| 2023 | Q1 | 264,066,131[58] | Data from January to July 2023 is not announced. Samrong station became an interchange station with MRT on 3 July 2023. | ||
| Q2 | |||||
| Q3 | 46,793,194* | 767,102* | |||
| Q4 | 69,958,534 | 760,419 | |||
| 2024 | Q1 | 64,550,586 | 709,348 | 263,955,804 | Wat Phra Si Mahathat station became an interchange station with MRT on 7 January 2024. |
| Q2 | 61,665,894 | 677,648 | |||
| Q3 | 68,982,349 | 749,809 | |||
| Q4 | 68,756,975 | 747,359 | |||
| 2025 | Q1 | 67,727,296 | 752,526 | 261,364,984 | Free public transportation policy was implemented between 25 and 31 January 2025.[56] Train services were temporarily suspended due to2025 Myanmar Earthquake on 28 March 2025.[59] |
| Q2 | 60,286,523 | 662,490 | |||
| Q3 | 66,939,489 | 727,604 | |||
| Q4 | 66,411,676 | 721,867 | As of December 2025.[60][61][62] | ||
| No. | Station | Year total passengers (2021)[64] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siam | 6,160,924 |
| 2 | Asok | 5,542,521 |
| 3 | Mo Chit | 5,166,915 |
| 4 | On Nut | 4,238,083 |
| 5 | Victory Monument | 4,193,569 |
| 6 | Ha Yaek Lat Phrao | 4,181,874 |
| 7 | Phrom Phong | 3,664,227 |
| 8 | Samrong | 3,186,681 |
| 9 | Chit Lom | 3,154,058 |
| 10 | Sala Daeng | 3,043,054 |
| No. | Station | Year total passengers (2021)[64] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Thai Air Force Museum | 171,534 |
| 2 | Sai Luat | 280,772 |
| 3 | Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital | 321,744 |
| 4 | Pho Nimit | 328,396 |
| 5 | Srinagarindra | 472,787 |
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link).
| |||||
Public transport systems inBangkok Metropolitan Region | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Railways |
| .svg) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Roads |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Buses |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Water transport |
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| High-speed rail | |
|---|---|
| Commuter rail |
|
| Rapid transit | |
| Monorail | |
| AGT,Light rail &Tram |
|
| Bus rapid transit |
|
| Annual Riderships by cities |
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Note: Under construction & planned lines are inItalics | |||||||||||||||
Rapid transit in Asia | |
|---|---|
 Armenia | |
 Azerbaijan | |
 Bangladesh | |
 China (PRC) |
|
 Georgia | |
 India |
|
 Indonesia | |
 Iran | |
 Israel | |
 Japan | |
 Kazakhstan | |
 Mongolia | |
 North Korea | |
 Malaysia | |
 Pakistan | |
 Philippines | |
 Qatar | |
 Russia | |
 Saudi Arabia | |
 Singapore | |
 South Korea | |
 Taiwan (ROC) | |
 Thailand | |
 Turkey | |
 United Arab Emirates | |
 Uzbekistan | |
 Vietnam | |
* Under construction. | |
_logo.svg){kind=logo}
.svg){kind=logo}
.svg){kind=logo}
