The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is conducting an online poll asking people whether they want the central train station in Bangkok to move from Hua Lamphong to the Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal in Chatuchak district.
The poll, which started on Oct 20, will run until today via the SRT's Facebook page https://th-th.facebook.com/pr.railway.
Based on feedback so far, Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, SRT public relations director, said most people say they want long train services to the North, South and Northeast of the country to move to the new terminal, previously known as the Bang Sue Grand Station.
People also want the Hua Lam Phong station to be a terminal for suburban railway routes as well as trains to the eastern region, Mr Aekkarat said, adding they also want the SRT to make use of the grand station.
The station is in the business district and connects to multiple transport options, such as MRT underground trains and the Red Line electric commuter train service, he said. It is also close to a Skytrain station.
The Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal is close to Mo Chit Bus Terminal, he said, adding the station can support high-speed train projects in the future.
If the SRT moves long-train services to the Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal, it will implement measures to help reduce transport costs for passengers, such as by allowing long-distance passengers with tickets to ride in Red Line trains without additional charges, Mr Aekkarat said.
He said the central station's universal design provides train access to all passengers, including those in a wheelchair.
The government has invested about 34 billion baht in the development of the Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal, located on a 400-rai site. The four-storey terminal station is expected to cater to up to 300,000 passengers per day.