Why are the BTS and MRT so Popular?
Thailand’s capital has a wealth of different transport means. Aside from the usual cars and taxis on the road, there are also motorbike taxis too. Usually used for short distances, these motorbikes weave around the traffic, something which naturally does not appeal to most people as a way to get around the city. They are also regularly used by residents who are not fortunate enough to live in close vicinity to the BTS Skytrain or MRT network, and during rush hours there are often queues for motorbike taxis completing the last leg of commuter journeys.
There is also a plethora of buses on the road that operate in all directions. These are of varying standards with a fair chunk relying on the breeze from moving to cool passengers down since they do not have air conditioning. Ironically these are at the mercy of Bangkok’s gridlock traffic so often remain still in traffic meaning that not only are they uncomfortable but the journey times are unnecessarily long too.
When the train doors opened for the first time on the BTS Skytrain in 1999 and MRT in 2004, there was a ripple of excitement across Bangkok. Both the BTS Skytrain which travels above the ground and the MRT beneath, trump all other transport modes for several reasons. Firstly, whatever is happening on the roads has no influence on their operation. This is particularly significant as Bangkok is known for its ‘rush hours’ that can make traveling short distances by road a challenge. Come rain or shine, in rush hour or at the weekend, both the BTS and MRT continue to run in their efficient manner which is one reason why they they are such a hit.
Both the BTS and MRT have an edge being relatively new in the transport world say compared to other well established networks such as London’s underground which first opened in 1863. Older mass public transport are harder to improve, for example most routes in London do not have air conditioning since it is an impossible engineering feat to fit it. Cue the BTS and MRT with their newer construction that is able to allow for population growth, and which remains comfortable with spacious carriages and all with air conditioning.
Next they travel to the city’s most popular spots enhancing people’s urban living experience. Plus their ongoing expansion is opening new areas and fuelling the growth of development out of Bangkok’s core.
It is therefore easy to see why the BTS and MRT hold such importance for Bangkok. Living as close to these as possible remains in demand and is why Ananda strive to carefully select the best locations near to these vital travel networks for the benefits of its residents. To find a Bangkok condominium that basks in such a prize location, please contact one of our Ananda Sales Representatives here.