Bangkok BRT

{{Short description|Bus rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox Public transit | box_width = | name = Bangkok BRT | image = [[Image:Bangkok BRT logo.svg|30px]] {{RouteBox|BRT||#FFFF99|black}} | imagesize = 100px | image2 = CRRC BRT bus at Sathon Station (11).jpg | imagesize2 = 300px | caption2 = [[CRRC]] EV Bus at Sathorn BRT Station in September 2024 | locale = [[Bangkok]] | transit_type = [[Bus rapid transit]] | stations = 14 stations | began_operation = {{date and age|df=y|2010|05|23}} | owner = [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] | operator = [[Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited]] | vehicles = '''Current:''' [[CRRC]] EV Bus: 23 cars '''Former:''' [[Sunlong]] SLK6215CNG: 25 cars | headway = 5-7 mins (peak-hour) 10 mins (off peak-hour, weekends, and public holiday) | system_length = {{convert|16.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} | average_speed = 30 km/h | top_speed = 60 km/h | map = | map_name = | map_state = collapsed | alt = | caption = | area served = | native_name = รถโดยสารประจำทางด่วนพิเศษ สายสาทร-ราชพฤกษ์ | start = Sathorn | end = Ratchaphruek | character = Fully at-grade | daily_ridership = 25,000 }}

The '''Bangkok BRT''' is a [[bus rapid transit]] system in [[Bangkok]], Thailand that consists of one line connecting [[Sathon district|Sathorn]] with [[Talat Phlu BTS station|Ratchaphruek]].

The {{convert|16|km}} route has 14 stations in the centre of the road that give at grade access to the right hand side of the buses. Both termini connect to the [[Silom Line]] of the [[BTS Skytrain]]; Sathorn station with [[Chong Nonsi BTS station]] and Ratchaphruek with [[Talat Phlu BTS station]]. The Bangkok BRT runs at-grade with exclusive bus lanes in some sections.

Unlike most [[bus rapid transit]] routes around the world, Bangkok BRT uses smaller, non-articulated 12-metre buses. Since service upgrades that commenced on 1 September 2024, Bangkok BRT has been served by low-floor [[CRRC]] electric buses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pattaya Mail |title=Bangkok introduces EV buses for BRT Sathorn-Ratchaphruek line with free service for two months |url=https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/bangkok-introduces-ev-buses-for-brt-sathorn-ratchaphruek-line-with-free-service-for-two-months-470665 |access-date=12 February 2025 |agency=Pattaya Mail |date=2 September 2024}}</ref>

The line is owned by Krungthep Thanakom PCL, the holdings enterprise of the [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] (BMA), and operated by [[Bangkok Mass Transit System|Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC)]], the operator of the BTS Skytrain. It is a system run separately from the publicly-run [[Bangkok Mass Transit Authority|BMTA buses]] and [[Thai Smile Group]] private buses.

==History==

Plans for a bus rapid transit system in Bangkok were made in 2004 by the [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] and the Ministry of Transport's [[Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning]]. In 2005, the BMA settled on a master plan consisting of fourteen BRT routes. Construction began in 2007 on the first route, [[Sathon Road|Sathorn]]–[[Talat Phlu BTS station|Ratchaphruek]]. The route opened for trial operation on 29 May 2010 and officially inaugurated on 14 February 2011 with 12 stations.<ref>{{cite book|title=BRT สาทร - ราชพฤกษ์ รถโดยสารด่วนพิเศษสายแรกของประเทศไทย (BRT commemorative booklet)|publisher=Bangkok Metropolitan Administration|url=http://www.bangkokbrt.com/file/BRT_%E0%B8%BAbooklet.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=First rapid bus line opens for free trial|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/37955/first-rapid-bus-line-opens-for-free-trial/|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=30 May 2010}}</ref>

The government also planned additional four routes to open before 2013: Mo Chit – Government Complex – Nonthaburi, Sathorn – Suk Sawat, Don Mueang – Min Buri–Suvarnabhumi, and Min Buri – Srinagarindra – Samrong. However, plans were progressively dropped beginning with the announcement in September 2010 that the Mo Chit-Government Complex route was going to be cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|title=BRT project stalls, private firm at helm|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/195511/|access-date=16 January 2012|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=10 September 2010}}</ref>

From its onset, the Bangkok BRT suffered from low ridership and financial losses. For these reasons, the BMA contemplated closing the route in early 2017. An opinion survey conducted by the BMA found that there was enough demand for the service to be retained.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2017/02/07/bye-bye-brt-bus-service-stop-end-april|title=Bye Bye BRT: Bus service to stop at end of April|date=7 February 2017|website=Coconuts Bangkok|access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1207541/improve-brt-dont-scrap-it|title=Improve BRT, don't scrap it|work=Bangkok Post|access-date=2 March 2017}}</ref> In March 2017 the Governor of Bangkok announced the service would continue, but that the fare would be raised to 15 THB. <ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/transpo/2017/03/27/official-bangkok-brt-wont-shut/|title=It's Official: Bangkok BRT Won't be Shut Down|author=Asaree Thaitrakulpanich|date=27 March 2017|work=Khaosod English|access-date=28 March 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327232201/http://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/transpo/2017/03/27/official-bangkok-brt-wont-shut/|archive-date=27 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and changed operator to [[Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited]].

On 2 February 2024, [[Bangkok Mass Transit System|BTSC]] won the BMA's bid to operate and develop the BRT system. The existing route is expected to extend from Sathorn to [[Lumphini MRT station]] with an additional service to [[CentralPlaza Rama III]] shopping mall. As part of the bid, BTSC was assigned to procure electric buses with doors to accommodate both the current high-level platforms and for street-level. Two new infill stations are also planned to be built: Yaek Chan - Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra (between B3-B4) and Yaek Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra - Ratchadaphisek (between B4-B5).<ref>{{Cite web |title=รอบีอาร์ทีโฉมใหม่ใช้รถเมล์ไฟฟ้าติด GPS ขยายไปถึง MRT ลุมพินี |date=6 February 2024 |url=https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9670000010994}}</ref>

From opening until 2024, Bangkok BRT had been operated using [[Sunlong]] SLK6125CNG high-floor buses. New electric buses built by [[CRRC]] were deployed on the line on 1 September 2024. Additional changes included the commissioning of two infill stations, Thanon Chan Neau (B3a) and Thanon Chan Tai (B4a). These changes were expected to increase ridership to 13,000 passengers daily. In conjunction with the changes, fares were suspended for the first two months until November 2024. Since then, fares have been capped at a flat rate of 15 THB.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thestandard.co/use-brt-free-3-months1-sep-30-nov/ | title=กทม. เปิดให้ใช้ BRT ฟรี 3 เดือน ตั้งแต่ 1 ก.ย. ถึง 30 พ.ย. 2566 พร้อมปรับรูปแบบใหม่เพื่อบริการประชาชนได้มากขึ้น | date=September 2023 }}</ref> [[File:2023versionofbangkokmassrapidtransitmap.png|right|thumb|Bangkok Mass Transit map and BRT route]]<ref>{{cite news |title=BRT set to see upgrades |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2772648/brt-set-to-see-upgrades |website=Bangkok Post |access-date=13 August 2024}}</ref>

Commuters criticised the changes, citing that the high-level platforms at BRT stations were not compatible with the new low-floor buses. Passengers could not board the buses from platform level and instead have to use emergency staircases at the end of the platform to board or disembark, causing overcrowding at stations. Initially, the slow rollout of the new buses meant that only 16 out of 23 buses were able to operate during peak hours, resulting in 12-minute frequencies. The Traffic and Transportation Department stated that the overcrowding problem is due by the delayed installation of a bus charging station at Sathorn, meaning that all buses have to use the only existing charging station at Ratchaphruek. The issue with the boarding process will be resolved by extending the platforms to accommodate the new low-floor buses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 September 2024 |title=ดราม่าสนั่น BRTโฉมใหม่ เสียบ่อย คอยนาน ปชช.ติง เช็กความพร้อมก่อนให้บริการ |url=https://siamrath.co.th/n/563485 |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=สยามรัฐ |language=th}}</ref>

==Route== [[File:CRRC BRT bus at Sathon Station (14).jpg|thumb|[[CRRC]] EV Bus at Sathorn station.]]

The [[Chong Nonsi BTS station|Sathon]] to [[Talat Phlu BTS station|Ratchaphruek]] route follows Naradhiwas Ratchanagrindra and Rama III Roads.

[[File:Chong Nonsi Sathon Skywalk Bangkok 2020 01.jpg|thumb|The Chong Nonsi Skywalk serves as a connecting point between the [[Silom Line]] and the BRT.]]

The route operates in exclusive lanes physically separated from other road traffic using barriers or in [[High-occupancy vehicle lane|HOV lanes]] with three occupants or more. The route does not have grade separation at some intersections, therefore causing delays. The configuration required the use of dedicated lanes, drawing criticism from motorists who believed that it exacerbated traffic due to the loss of traffic lanes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wancharoen |first1=Supoj |title=Bus service still draws flak |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/355200/bus-service-still-draws-flak |website=Bangkok Post |date=15 June 2013}}</ref>

Stations are located in the middle of the road and feature island platforms, accessible via skywalks/footbridges.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lim |first1=Eric |title=Bangkok BRT an integrated public transport system |url=https://www.tour-bangkok-legacies.com/bangkok-brt.html |access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref> Consequently, buses have doors on the driver's side/right-hand side, unusual for buses in Thailand which have doors on the left-hand-side due to Thai traffic being [[left hand traffic]]. Stations have high-level platforms that provided step-free access to the [[Sunlong]] buses, which were high-floor buses. In addition, stations contain amentities such as ticket offices as well as step-free access for wheelchair users.

The vehicles have a [[Guided bus|guide system]] used while they are stopped at station to ensure a minimum gap between the station platform and the vehicle.

[[File:BRT bus station bangkok.jpg|thumb|People waiting for the bus at Thanon Chan BRT station]] Buses operate between 06:00-24:00 at 7-10 minute intervals during off-peak hours and weekends and 5 minute intervals at peak hours. An additional service between Sathorn and Nararam III is in operation during peak hours.

=== Stations === {|class="wikitable" style=margin:auto;font-align:center;text-align:center;font-size:90%;" ! style="background:#D9E114;"rowspan="2" |Code ! style="background:#D9E114;"colspan="2" |Station Name ! style="background:#D9E114;"rowspan="2" |Opened ! style="background:#D9E114;"rowspan="2" |Transfer ! style="background:#D9E114;"rowspan="2" |Notes |- ! style="background:#D9E114;"|English ! style="background:#D9E114;"|Thai |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B1.svg|49x49px]] | Sathorn | สาทร | rowspan="3" |{{Start date and age|2010|05|29|df=y}} |'''Connecting station''' to [[Chong Nonsi BTS station|Chong Nonsi]] for {{rint|bangkok|Silom}} via Chong Nonsi Skywalk. |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Chong Nonsi Skywalk • [[Chong Nonsi Canal Park]] • [[King Power Mahanakhon]] • Empire Tower • Sathorn Square • Bangkok City Tower • Rajanakarn Building • Sathorn Nakhon Tower |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B2.svg|49x49px]] | Akhan Songkhro | อาคารสงเคราะห์ | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • JC Kevin Sathorn Bangkok Hotel |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B3.svg|49x49px]] | Technic Krungthep | เทคนิคกรุงเทพ | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep • Makro Sathorn • The Federation of Thai Industries |- |[[File:Bangkok BRT B3a.svg|53x53px]] |Thanon Chan Neau |ถนนจันทน์เหนือ |{{Start date and age|2024|09|01|df=y}} | | align="left"|''Additional station'' |- |[[File:Bangkok BRT B4.svg|49x49px]] |Thanon Chan |ถนนจันทน์ |{{Start date and age|2010|05|29|df=y}} | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Gallery VER • Taweewattana School • Saint Joseph Yannawa School |- |[[File:Bangkok BRT B4a.svg|53x53px]] |Thanon Chan Tai |ถนนจันทน์ใต้ |{{Start date and age|2024|09|01|df=y}} | |align="left"|''Additional station'' |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B5.svg|49x49px]] | Nararam 3 | นราราม 3 | rowspan="8" |{{Start date and age|2010|05|29|df=y}} | | |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B6.svg|49x49px]] | Wat Dan | วัดด่าน | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • S.V. City Tower • INT-Intersect • Wat Dan • Wat Dan School |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B7.svg|49x49px]] | Wat Pariwat | วัดปริวาส | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Wat Pariwat • Wat Pariwat School |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B8.svg|49x49px]] | Wat Dokmai | วัดดอกไม้ | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Wat Dokmai • Wat Dokmai School |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B9.svg|49x49px]] | Rama IX Bridge | สะพานพระรามเก้า | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Wat Sai Rama 3 • Wat Bang Khlo Nok • Homepro Rama 3 • Public Park in Commemoration of H.M. the King's 6th Cycle Birthday |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B10.svg|53x53px]] | Charoenrat | เจริญราษฎร์ | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Tree on 3 • [[Terminal 21]] Rama 3 |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B11.svg|53x53px]] | Rama III Bridge | สะพานพระรามสาม | |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • Bang Kho Laem District Office • Wat Inbanjong |- | [[File:Bangkok BRT B12.svg|53x53px]] | Ratchaphruek | ราชพฤกษ์ |'''Connecting station''' to [[Talat Phlu BTS station|Talat Phlu]] for {{rint|bangkok|Silom}} |align="left"|'''Exit to:''' • [[The Mall Tha Phra]] • Tha Phra Open Air Market • Thonburi Plaza |}

== Fleet ==

[[File:Bangkok BRT 01.jpg|thumb|255x255px|Sunlong SLK6215CNG (2010–2024)]]

Bangkok BRT uses single-deck buses with a length of 12 metres, a width of 2.54 metres, and a height of 3.44 metres. The system uses a fleet of 23 electric buses manufactured as part of a joint venture between [[CRRC]] and Cherdchai Group, a domestic company. Each bus can carry at least 80 passengers. Until September 2024, the Bangkok BRT were operated with [[Sunlong]] high floor buses.

=== Livery === The exterior of the bus features a yellow background with green stripes. This design resulted from a contest organised by the [[Bangkok Metropolitan Administration]] in 2008 under the concept "''Put Your Colors on Bangkok BRT''," with yellow and green as the given colors. The winning design was created by a student from [[King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang]]. It was inspired by the swift motions of hand movements while drawing quick pencil strokes, symbolizing fast, reliable, and convenient service. The flowing lines indicate the flexibility of a moving hand, with thicker lines towards the back mimicking the forward movement of a bus.

=== Communications ===

The buses are equipped with GPS tracking, enabling passengers to track their real-time location through the Viabus app.<ref>[https://mgronline.com/onlinesection/detail/9670000074819 เผยโฉมรถเมล์ไฟฟ้า BRT ทดแทนของเดิม เตรียมเดินรถ ก.ย.นี้ เผยแพร่: 15 ส.ค. 2567 โดย: ผู้จัดการออนไลน์]</ref> [[File:CRRC BRT bus at Sathon Station (6).jpg|thumb|227x227px|CRRC EV Bus (2024-present)]]

A passenger information system automatically announces station names on a LED display. Audio announcements are made by Thai actress Ratklao Amaradit who also voices announcements for the [[BTS Skytrain]] system. The electronic sign at the front of the bus indicates the terminal station. The bus is also equipped with a GPS and radio transmission to communicate with the control centre. [[File:Bangkok BRT Sathon Station-2.jpg|thumb|[[Platform screen doors]] at Sathorn station.]]

=== Safety Features === The bus equipped with several safety features, including: • CCTV cameras inside the bus with digital recording system that can store footage for 72 hours • A rear-facing CCTV camera outside the bus to assist the driver while reversing and monitoring • Emergency stop buttons • Two fire extinguishers are featured on board • Guidance system which automatically aligns the bus with the station platform • Automatic sensor sliding doors to ensure passenger safety while boarding or exiting the bus

=== Facilities for wheelchair users === Each bus is equipped with two wheelchair locks and a ramp that can be extended from the bus to the platform to facilitate the boarding and alighting process for wheelchair users.

=== Signalling === The line uses [[Intelligent transportation system|Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)]] to control the signals for BRT, ensuring the buses priority when passing through junctions via the dedicated traffic lights. This system can also indicate the arrival time of the next bus.

== Fares and ticketing == Since November 2024, Bangkok BRT is charging a flat fare of 15 THB per ride. Fares are payable via [[Rabbit Card]] which is also used to pay for the Bangkok rail networks that the operator operates, namely the [[BTS Skytrain]], [[MRT Yellow Line]] and [[MRT Pink Line]].<ref>{{cite news |title=No more free rides for BRT commuters |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2894216/fare-collection-resumes-for-bangkoks-bus-rapid-transit-system |access-date=12 February 2025 |agency=Bangkok Post |date=1 November 2024}}</ref> A discount fare is available for senior citizens who instead pay 11 THB. Fares are also payable via QR codes through the LINE app as ticket sales on-system have ended.<ref>{{cite news |title=Newly revamped Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, 100% electric, free rides for two months |url=https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/newly-revamped-bus-rapid-transit-brt-system-100-electric-free-rides-for-two-months-470842 |access-date=12 February 2025 |agency=Pattaya Mail |date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

== Services ==

=== Headways === {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;font-align:center;text-align:center;font-size:80%;"" ! colspan="3" style="background:#D9E114;|'''Bangkok BRT headway''' |- ! style="background:#D9E114;|Time ! style="background:#D9E114;|Section ! style="background:#D9E114;|Headway (Minutes:Seconds) |- ! colspan="3" |Monday - Friday |- |'''06.00 - 07.00''' | rowspan="6" |Full Line |10:00 |- |'''07:00 - 09:00''' |07:00 |- |'''09:00 - 17:00''' |15:00 |- |'''17:00 - 20:00''' |07:00 |- |'''20:00 - 212:00''' |15:00 |- |'''22:00 - 24:00''' |20:00 |- ! colspan="3" |Weekend and Public Holiday |- |'''06:00 -''' '''21:00''' | rowspan="2" |Full Line |15:00 |- |'''21:00 - 24:00''' |20:00 |}

=== Ridership === {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;font-align:center;text-align:center;font-size:90%;"" ! colspan="6" align="center" style="background:#D9E114; |Bangkok BRT Ridership |- ! style="background:#D9E114;|Year ! style="background:#D9E114;|Quarter ! style="background:#D9E114;|Quarterly Ridership ! style="background:#D9E114;|Daily Ridership ! style="background:#D9E114;|Annual Ridership ! style="background:#D9E114;|Remarks |- | colspan="2" |'''2010 - 2016''' ! colspan="4" |No Information |- | rowspan="4" |'''2017''' |'''Q1''' | 1,696,505 |18,851 | rowspan="4" |5,326,369 ! rowspan="12" | |- |'''Q2''' | 1,048,838 |11,526 |- |'''Q3''' | 1,380,038 |15,001 |- |'''Q4''' | 1,200,988 |13,055 |- | rowspan="4" |'''2018''' |'''Q1''' | 1,151,008 |12,790 | rowspan="4" | 4,557,504 |- |'''Q2''' | 1,073,535 |11,798 |- |'''Q3''' | 1,215,840 |13,215 |- |'''Q4''' | 1,117,121 |12,142 |- | rowspan="4" |'''2019''' |'''Q1''' | 1,102,850 |12,254 | rowspan="4" | 4,649,783 |- |'''Q2''' | 1,076,017 |11,825 |- |'''Q3''' | 1,292,471 |14,049 |- |'''Q4''' | 1,178,445 |12,810 |- | rowspan="4" |'''2020''' |'''Q1''' | 1,071,215 |11,903 | rowspan="4" | 3,306,450 | rowspan="2" |First wave of [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] outbreaks (January 2020 - May 2020) |- |'''Q2''' | 470,829 |779 |- |'''Q3''' | 891,763 |9,694 ! |- |'''Q4''' | 872,643 |9,486 | rowspan="2" |Second wave of [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] outbreaks (December 2020 - February 2021) |- | rowspan="4" |'''2021''' |'''Q1''' | 634,095 |7,046 | rowspan="4" | 1,891,145 |- |'''Q2''' | 388,126 |4,266 |Third wave of [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] outbreaks (April 2021 - June 2021) |- |'''Q3''' | 335,299 |3,645 | rowspan="3" |Fourth wave of [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]] outbreaks (July 2021 - early 2022) |- |'''Q4''' | 533,625 |5,801 |- | rowspan="4" |'''2022''' |'''Q1''' | 438,644 |4,874 | rowspan="4" | 2,471,699 |- |'''Q2''' | 538,909 |5,923 ! rowspan="5" | |- |'''Q3''' | 721,426 |7,842 |- |'''Q4''' | 772,720 |8,400 |- | rowspan="4" |'''2023''' |'''Q1''' |777,294 |8,636 | rowspan="2" |1,456,291 |- |'''Q2''' |678,997 |7,462 |- |'''Q3''' ! colspan="3" rowspan="2" | | rowspan="2" |Data has not been announced from July 2023 to the present. |- |'''Q4''' |}

==See also== * [[List of bus rapid transit systems]] * [[Rabbit Card]] * [[BTS Skytrain]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Bangkok BRT}} * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2wwwtEWGL4 Cabride video of entire line] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120607015100/http://www.bts.co.th/customer/en/02-route-current.aspx Airport Rail Link, BTS, MRT & BRT network map]

[[Category:Bus rapid transit]] [[Category:Bus transport in Bangkok]] [[Category:2010 establishments in Thailand]]