Wednesday, January 19, 2011

the Bangkok Sky Train


The Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS Sky Train began operation on 5 December 1999. It utilises 35 vehicles from Siemens - over a system length of 28.7 km (17.83 miles) in standard gauge (1435 mm) - which have a top speed of 80 km/h although the average speed is 35 km/h. The power supply is 750 V DC, third rail.

All of the system's stations are elevated and constructed on three levels. The street level provides access to the station proper via stairs and often escalators. Supporting utility equipment (generators, water tanks, etc.) are usually located at this level on traffic islands.

The first elevated level of the stations contains the ticket booths, some small kiosk-like shops and access control gates. The second level (and the third at the Siam station) is again accessed with stairs and escalators and contains the platforms and rails. With the exception of the Siam Station, the stations have a side platform layout.

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