Rail systems `need links to suburbs'

Anchalee Kongrut

The operator of the city's new subway system has urged the next Bangkok governor to quickly put into place a mass transit feeder system linking the suburbs to the skytrain and underground networks.

Somsak Kitjalaksana, managing director of Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL), said that without a proper feeder network the 43 kilometres of track comprising the subway and elevated railway operated by BTS was not effective in easing traffic congestion. A network of buses or trams was needed.

``The 43km route is a short mass transit system that will only convince about 5% of motorists to switch to public transport.

``Bangkok residents will have to wait another six years for the government to build another 90km for the additional routes,'' he said.

Mr Somsak said the governor could help convince city people to use convenient mass transit by investing in a low cost feeder system such as trams, shuttle buses and providing park-and-ride facilities near train stations.

The governor had authority to develop mass transit systems, he said.

Former governor Krisda Aroonwongse had laid the basic work for the skytrain system.

Manop Bongsadadt, an expert on real estate, said mass transit would boost the city's economy and improve the quality of life.

Mr Manop quoted a report by LPN real estate company which indicated for the first time that city homebuyers gave importance to a mass transit system when deciding whether to buy a property.

Many would choose condominiums located near mass transit facilities.

Mr Manop, a lecturer on architecture and town planning at Chulalongkorn University, said mass transit systems help reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of the people _ crucial factors that draw foreign expatriates and transnational companies to Bangkok.

The 114-billion-baht subway system was opened on July 4, four years after the skytrain system was put into service.

Passenger numbers on both systems are on the rise with about 250,000 commuters using the subway system per day.

The skytrain draws about 400,000 passengers per day.