There's a simpler solution

You reported the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will be given four options regarding the demolition of the Saphan Taksin station to allow for double tracking. They should consider a fifth option – removing brain-dead officials who make decisions like these. 

According to these “experts” the best solution would be to scrap the Saphan Taksin Station and build an automatic walkway leading 700 metres to the Surasak Station. How about letting common sense prevail? Simply add two extra carriages to each train. This would ease any overcrowding caused by the few minutes wait for clearance on King Taksin Bridge. A 3-minute delay is nothing compared to the inconvenience and time wasted travelling the distance from Surasak to the river even by automatic walkway. 

The only problem with this proposal is there would be no major kickbacks for those concerned, as the purchase of the extra carriages will be a necessity as the BTS network expands. 

The BTS is one of the best things to happen in this city. But, except for a few short extensions, every other aspect of the system has deteriorated. Stations covered with advertising hoardings and promotional junk look trashy and the noise levels both on the platforms and inside the carriages is becoming unbearable. The congestion and delays caused by so many queues at the busier stations is unacceptable. 

If the MRT can do it then why not the BTS?

John L Sheppard,

Bangkok