Bangkok Purple Line trial runs begin

[bikkuri bahn]

BANGKOK -- Convenient? Yes. Reasonably priced? Not quite. Residents' perceptions were mixed as a free trial run of a Japanese-supplied urban rail transit system in the Bangkok metropolitan area has gotten underway.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand started the trial run of the new Purple Line on June 13, allowing residents to sample the ride on the Bangkok area train line for free. The opportunity will last until July 22.

The first train line to open in about six years in the Bangkok metropolitan area is apparently good news to many commuters currently using road transportation and are fed up with the capital's urban traffic congestion.

 

http://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Trends/Bangkok-s-new-Japan-supplied-rail-line-gets-mixed-reviews

[bikkuri bahn]

[katoftw]

There will be always someone complaining about the prices.  I'm sure before this train start that the buses and boats cost too much also.

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes, it's reasonable to expect higher prices for the train, to differentiate it from road-based services, and the recognition that it is a higher grade service.

[Ochanomizu]

Hello,

 

Most of the people living in Bangkok earn around $4000 - $7000 per year.  They live in houses of around 40-50m², or share an apartment of just 25-30m² with a friend.  Working, perhaps, 6 days a week, commuting costs via the purple line can represent around 15% of their annual income.  It is easy to scoff at them for complaining about the price when we are earning, perhaps, 20 x their salary or more.  In Bangkok, 40bt buys you lunch!