## Bangkok Metropolitan Administration: Skytrain Not Viable as BRT Alternative, Chong Nonsi Canal Improvement On Track for December Completion
Bangkok, Thailand (Nawna Newspaper) Wednesday, June 18, 2025 06:22 AM
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is enhancing the efficiency of its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to better connect with other modes of transportation and is accelerating landscape improvements along Chong Nonsi Canal. The BMA clarifies that a study found replacing the BRT with a skytrain system would not be cost-effective.
Mr. Sittiporn Somkidsun, Director of the Traffic and Transport Department, addressed public suggestions for a skytrain to replace the BRT and calls to reconsider the Chong Nonsi Canal public park project. He stated that initial studies on developing a skytrain system to replace the BRT did not indicate investment viability. This is due to insufficient projected passenger numbers and the BRT route's path crossing the Chao Phraya River, which would necessitate extensive land expropriation from residents. Therefore, it is currently not suitable for implementation.
However, the BMA has been continuously improving and enhancing the efficiency of the BRT service to encourage greater public use of mass transit for connectivity. The BRT buses have been transitioned from NGV (Natural Gas Vehicle) to electric vehicles (EVs) and converted to low-floor designs. An electronic fare payment system has also been installed, allowing for QR code scanning via the Line application, with no cash accepted. This new service began on September 1, 2024, and currently serves approximately 9,000 passengers per day. Additionally, safety systems along the BRT lanes have been upgraded and installed, and improvements to station access points are planned to enhance convenience and efficiency for passengers. The BRT project is considered an effective public transport solution for connecting travel and alleviating traffic congestion by providing dedicated lanes for rapid transit.
Regarding the request to reconsider the Chong Nonsi Canal public park project, Mr. Thawatchai Napasakdee, Director of the Public Works Department, explained that the project aims to maximize the utilization of public space. It's not just for drainage but also to serve as a recreational area for the public and improve air quality in the vicinity. The project has planted over 500 large perennial trees, including *Kan Krao* (Fagraea fragrans), *Kanlapaphruek* (Cassia bakeriana), *Kum Nam* (Crateva religiosa), *Chik Nam* (Barringtonia acutangula), and *Chongkho* (Bauhinia purpurea), to provide shade and enhance the environment for residents. As for the progress of the Chong Nonsi Canal landscape improvement project, Phase 3 is currently 16.91% complete and is expected to be finished by December 2025.
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