Purple Line (Bangkok)

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MRT Purple Line
MRT (Bangkok) Purple logo.svg
MRT Purple Line Train T013 20160806.jpg
J-TREC Sustina trainset
Overview
Native nameสายฉลองรัชธรรม
OwnerMass Rapid Transit Authority
LocaleNonthaburi Province and Bangkok
TerminiKhlong Bang Phai
Tao Poon
Stations16
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemMRT
Operator(s)Bangkok Expressway and Metro
Depot(s)Khlong Bang Phai
History
Opened6 August 2016
Technical
Line length23 km (14 mi)
Number of tracks2
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail
Operating speed80 km/h (50 mph)
Route map

Legend
PP1
 Khlong Bang Phai
To Main Depot Right arrow
PP2
 Talat Bang Yai
PP3
 Sam Yaek Bang Yai
PP4
 Bang Phlu
PP5
 Bang Rak Yai
PP6
 Bang Rak Noi Tha It
PP7
 Sai Ma
Chao Phraya River
PP8
 Phra Nang Klao Bridge
PP9
 Yaek Nonthaburi 1
PP10
 Bang Krasor
 MRL  Pink Line:
Min Buri Right arrow
PP11
 Nonthaburi Civic Center
BSicon exTRAM.svg
PP12
 Ministry of Public Health
PP13
 Yaek Tiwanon
PP14
 Wong Sawang
 SRT  Light Red Line:
Left arrow Taling Chan – Bang Sue Right arrow
PP15
 Bang Son
BSicon exTRAM.svg
PP16
 Tao Poon
 MRT  Blue Line:
Left arrow Tha Phra – Bang Sue Right arrow
Future Extension
Parliament
Si Yan
Sam Sen
BSicon exTRAM.svg
 National Library
Bang Khun Phrom
Phan Fa
BSicon exTRAM.svg
 MRT  Orange Line:
Left arrow Taling Chan – Min Buri Right arrow
 Sam Yot
BSicon exTRAM.svg
 MRT  Blue Line:
Left arrow Bang Khae – Hua Lamphong Right arrow
 Chao Phraya River
Memorial Bridge
 SRT  Dark Red Line:
Left arrow Maha Chai – Hua Lamphong Right arrow
 Wongwian Yai
BSicon exTRAM.svg
 BTS  Silom Line:
Left arrow Bang Wa – Siam Right arrow
 Samre
Chom Thong
Dao Khanong
Bang Pakok
Phacha Uthit
Rat Burana
Phra Pra Daeng
Kru Nai

The MRT Chalong Ratchadham line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) or MRT Purple line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) is Bangkok's fifth rapid transit line, following the Sukhumvit Line, Silom Line, MRT Blue Line, and Airport Rail Link. Daily ridership is 70,000.[1][2] The line was opened on 6 August 2016[3][4] and is the second line of MRT system operated by BEM.

The line is 23 km long,[4] serving north-western part of Bangkok and Nonthaburi Province.

History[]

Origin[]

Officially named the Chalong Ratchadham Line (Thai: สายฉลองรัชธรรม) – "To Celebrate the Great King's Reign with Righteousness"[5] – but informally known as the "Purple Line", the rapid transit system serves a north-south corridor in Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan. It incorporates an extension of the Blue Line from nearby Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station.

The construction project was divided into six contracts, three of them civil work. The contracts were signed from late 2009 to early 2010 and completion was originally scheduled for 2014.[6][7][8][9] The third contract included construction of four park and ride buildings at the Khlong Bang Phai, Sam Yaek Bang Yai, Bang Rak Noi Tha It, and Yaek Nonthaburi 1 stations. On 31 March 2017, the fifth contract was effectively terminated and became part of a new Blue Line concession agreement.[10][11]

Contract Notes Length (kilometers)
1 Bang Sue to Tao Poon and Tao Poon to Phra Nangklao Bridge[6] 12
2 Phra Nangklao Bridge to Khlong Bang Phai[7] 11
3 Depot at Khlong Bang Phai, four park and ride buildings[8]
4 Purple Line rolling stock, systems, operation and maintenance (contractor BEM)[12][13][14][15]
5 Blue Line (Bang Sue to Tao Poon) systems, operation and maintenance (contractor BEM)[16]
6 Trackwork (contractor ITD)[17][18]

The 2011 Thailand floods delayed the construction of the line, and in June of 2013, five people were injured when six beams fell onto vehicles below Tao Poon station.[19] In July 2014, the civil work was 94 percent complete;[20][21] in October 2014, civil work was stated to be 99% complete.[22]

The line was opened on 6 August 2016.[3] However, the Blue Line extension section was delayed, so when it opened the Purple Line wasn't connect to any other rapid transit system in Bangkok. This resulted in low line usage. Even with a reduced fare, the line only attracted about 22,000 passengers daily compared to a goal of 100,000.[23]

The Blue Line extension to Tao Poon was opened about a year later, on 11 August 2017,[24][25] and ridership increased. In 2019, daily ridership for the line was 70,000.[1][2]

Route[]

The MRT Purple Line platform at Khlong Bang Phai MRT Station
MRT Purple Line route map at Tao Poon Station (14 August 2016)
Ticket Vending machines at Khlong Bang Phai MRT Station
Entrance to Tao Poon station, MRT Purple Line
Khlong Bang Phai MRT Station

The Purple line starts from Khlong Bang Phai station in Bang Bua Thong District. Line travel south along Kanchanaphisek Road before turning eastward near Central Westgate, onto Rattanathibet Road. Line then continue along Rattanathibet Road, passing through a large residential area in Bang Yai District, crosses the Chao Phraya River on a bridge parallel to the Phra Nangklao Bridge and runs to Nonthaburi Civic Center station. Line then turn southward onto Tiwanon Road, passing Ministry of Public Health and turn southeast onto Krung Thep-Nonthaburi road, entering Yaek Tiwanon station. Line then entering Bangkok city limit at Bang Sue district. Passing Bang Son station before terminate at upper platform of Tao Poon station. With a total length is 23 kilometres (14 mi), serving 16 stations.[4]

Stations[]

Further information: List of rapid transit stations in Bangkok
Code Station Name Distance
Between
Stations
km 		Transfer Location
English Thai
PP01 Khlong Bang Phai คลองบางไผ่ - Bang Bua Thong Nonthaburi
PP02 Talad Bang Yai ตลาดบางใหญ่ 1.27
PP03 Sam Yaek Bang Yai สามแยกบางใหญ่ 1.56
PP04 Bang Phlu บางพลู 1.57
PP05 Bang Rak Yai บางรักใหญ่ 1.20
PP06 Bang Rak Noi Tha It บางรักน้อย-ท่าอิฐ 1.25 Mueang Nonthaburi
PP07 Sai Ma ไทรม้า 1.25
PP08 Phra Nang Klao Bridge สะพานพระนั่งเกล้า 1.47
PP09 Yaek Nonthaburi 1 แยกนนทบุรี 1 1.63
PP10 Bang Krasor บางกระสอ 1.26
PP11 Nonthaburi Civic Center ศูนย์ราชการนนทบุรี 0.90
PP12 Ministry of Public Health กระทรวงสาธารณสุข 1.79
PP13 Yaek Tiwanon แยกติวานนท์ 1.20
PP14 Wong Sawang วงศ์สว่าง 1.72 Bang Sue Bangkok
PP15 Bang Son บางซ่อน 1.29  SRT  Southern Line, commuter trains (Transfer at Bang Son Halt)
PP16 Tao Poon เตาปูน 1.58  MRT 

Rolling stock[]

In November 2013, BEM contracted with Marubeni Corp, Toshiba Corp, and East Japan Railway Company to install E&S systems, supply 21 three-car trains (total of 63 cars) rolling stock, and provide maintenance for 10 years as part of a contract worth 12.6 billion baht.[26] East Japan Railway train manufacturing subsidiary J-TREC built them in Yokohama with the first sets delivered in early 2016.[27]

In total, line is service by 21 three-car trains.[5] Trains are powered by 750v DC via third rail system, are air-conditioned and capable of traveling at up to 80 km/h.

  • MRT Purple Line train entering a station.

  • Purple Line train spotted near Central Westgate.

  • Interior of a train.

  • Interior of a train.

  • Dynamic route map

Operation[]

The 16-station Purple line runs from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon and has a carrying capacity of 30,000 people in each direction per hour. Line operated everyday from 6am to midnight with headway of under 6 minutes during rush hour and 9 minutes during non-rush hour.[28] All stations on the line are equipped with platform screen doors. Stations are built to accommodate six-car trains, but only three-car trains were used. The line has 1 depot near Khlong Bang Phai station

The MRTA has proposed to BEM to introduce multi-trip package fares to reduce prices[29] which follows an earlier proposal by the Department of Railways to offer 40% discounts during off peak travel.[30]

Ridership[]

When the Purple line first opened daily ridership was only 22,000 compared to projected numbers of 100,000.[31] After the opening of the Blue Line extension to Tao Poon 1 year later in August 2017, daily average ridership increased significantly from 33,000 to 50,000.[32]

In August 2018, the MRTA Deputy Governor stated that daily ridership had increased to 60,000 each weekday.[33] By late 2019, this had increased to 70,000.[1]

Future Extension[]

Southern Extension (Tao Poon - Rat Burana)[]

Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan includes extending Purple Line south from Tao Poon to Rat Burana through Bangkok's old town via both an underground and elevated route. The total planned length is 23.5 km (12.7 km underground, 10 km elevated and 0.8 km transitioning structure) with seventeen stations (ten underground and seven elevated).[34]

Code Station Name* Distance
Between
Stations
km 		Transfer Location
English Thai
PP17 Parliament House รัฐสภา 1.986 (from Tao Poon) Dusit Bangkok
PP18 Sri Yan ศรีย่าน 1.194
PP19 Vajira Hospital วชิรพยาบาล 0.931
PP20 National Library หอสมุดแห่งชาติ 0.837
PP21 Bang Khun Phrom บางขุนพรหม 0.924 Phra Nakhon
PP22 Phan Fa ผ่านฟ้า 1.243
PP23 Sam Yot สามยอด 1.033  MRT 
PP24 Memorial Bridge สะพานพุทธฯ 2.049 Thon Buri/Khlong San
PP25 Wong Wian Yai วงเวียนใหญ่ 0.954  BTS  (via underground walkway, commuter trains)
PP26 Sam Rae สำเหร่ 1.509 Thon Buri
PP27 Dao Khanong ดาวคะนอง 1.859
PP28 Bang Pakaeo บางปะแก้ว 0.979 Rat Burana/Chom Thong
PP29 Bang Pakok บางปะกอก 1.733 Rat Burana
PP30 Rama 9 Bridge สะพานพระราม 9 0.947
PP31 Rat Burana ราษฎร์บูรณะ 0.919
PP32 Phra Pradaeng พระประแดง 1.642 Phra Pradaeng Samut Prakan
PP33 Kru Nai ครุใน 1.901

*Station names are as per report published in 2019, are subject to change and are not finalized. Stations locations may be adjusted

Approval was expected in mid 2017 with a tender due in the second half of 2017.[35] On 25 July 2017, Cabinet approval was given,[36][37] but the tender was then delayed until 2018.[38][39] By December 2018, a tender had still not been issued and was further delayed.[40] In August 2019, subject to final land acquisition, a March 2020 tender was planned.[41] In mid 2020, the Ministry of Transport still aimed for a tendering process within 2020 despite COVID-19 related delays.[42] The MRTA expected the tender to be issued in February 2021.[43] If construction commences in the second half of 2021, the extension is projected to enter service in 2027.[44]

Potential Northern Extension[]

A 4.5 km extension from Bang Yai to Bang Bua Thong intersection - which was not part of the original Purple Line plan - has previously been requested by the Nonthaburi governor.[45] However, as of 2020 there are no plans to build such an extension.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c https://www.khaosod.co.th/economics/news_2933591. Khaosod ,30 September 2019
  2. ^ a b "MRTA to issue measure to reduce fares to attract passengers".
  3. ^ a b Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Purple Line: Newly launched, but few using it". bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Mokkhasen, Sasiwan (10 May 2016). "Sign up to test ride new MRT Purple Line". Khaosod English. Thailand. Archived from the original on 13 November 2021. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  5. ^ a b "BEM บริษัททางด่วนและรถไฟฟ้ากรุงเทพจำกัด (มหาชน)". metro.bemplc.co.th (in Thai). Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  6. ^ a b "ลงนามสัญญาที่1 รถไฟสีม่วง ช.การช่างได้เฮ". thairath.co.th (in Thai). 26 August 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  7. ^ a b "รฟม.ลงนามสัญญา 2 สายสีม่วง มูลค่า 1.31 หมื่นล้านแล้ว". thairath.co.th (in Thai). 20 January 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
  8. ^ a b "รฟม.ตัดเค้กสัญญา 3 รถไฟฟ้าสายสีม่วง "อิตาเลียนไทย" ได้ทานแห้ว". mgronline.com. 23 June 2009. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  9. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าสายสีม่วงบางซื่อ-บางใหญ่ฉลุยเซ็นรับเหมาครบ3สัญญา ลงมือก่อสร้างก.พ.นี้ 3 ปีครึ่งเสร็จ !!". www.thailog.org (in British English). Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  10. ^ "ปิดดีลเดินรถสีน้ำเงิน ครม.ผ่านฉลุย เร่งเซ็นสัญญาจ้าง Bem ทยอยเปิดเดินรถปลายปี 62". mgronline.com. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  11. ^ "BEM significant event in 2017" (PDF).
  12. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าสายสีม่วงคืบหน้าแล้วกว่า70%". posttoday.com. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  13. ^ "Purple Line O&M contract (PDF)" (PDF).
  14. ^ 'Purple Line deal agreed BEM signs 30-year contract with MRTA'. Bangkok Post, 5 September 2013
  15. ^ "Bangkok Purple Line contract awarded". International Railway Gazette. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  16. ^ "BMCLอนุมัติเซ็นสัญญารถไฟฟ้าสายสีม่วงสัญญาที่5". bangkokbiznews.com/. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  17. ^ "ITD closer to Purple Line contract". The Nation. Bangkok. 17 May 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  18. ^ isranews (4 October 2012). "รฟม.จ้างอิตาเลียนไทยฯสร้างรถไฟฟ้า". สำนักข่าวอิศรา (in Thai). Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  19. ^ "MRTA Purple line accident injures 5". Bangkok Post. 7 June 2013.
  20. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  21. ^ http://www.mrta-purpleline.com/progress
  22. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  23. ^ "Fare cut boosts Purple Line riders, but still below target - Bangkok Post Property finance advice". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  24. ^ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Purple Line to connect with MRT on Aug 11". bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  25. ^ "เปิดวิ่งเชื่อมต่อสถานีเตาปูน-บางซื่อ 12.00 วันนี้". bangkokbiznews.com/. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  26. ^ 'Japanese firms win Purple Line deal'. Bangkok Post, 6 November 2013
  27. ^ "First Sustina export order". International Railway Gazette. 23 September 2014.
  28. ^ "แผนที่เส้นทาง". metro.bemplc.co.th (in Thai). Retrieved 22 June 2020.
  29. ^ "Discounted multi-trip packages proposed for Blue, Purple lines". Bangkok Post. 1 October 2019.
  30. ^ "Rail regulator weighs off-peak discounts". Bangkok Post. 3 September 2019.
  31. ^ "Fare cut boosts Purple Line riders, but still below target - Bangkok Post Property finance advice". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  32. ^ "Purple Line use up 47% since 'missing link' completed". Bangkok Post. Bangkok. 8 September 2017.
  33. ^ http://www.thansettakij.com/content/309472. Thansettakij, 27 August 2018
  34. ^ "Revise on Purple Line extension detail design (in Thai, PDF)" (PDF).
  35. ^ http://www.bangkokpost.com/archive/b358bn-rail-projects-expected-to-go-ahead/1256406. Bangkok Post, 26 May 2017
  36. ^ http://www.manager.co.th/Business/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9600000075739
  37. ^ http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30321793. The Nation, 25 July 2017
  38. ^ https://www.bangkokpost.com/archive/purple-line-south-link-bid-faces-delay/1357647. Bangkok Post, 10 Nov 2017
  39. ^ https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/transport/1541274/tor-for-slate-of-transport-projects-set-for-fast-track. Bangkok Post, 17 September 2018
  40. ^ Limited, Bangkok Post Public Company. "Purple Line, Phuket light rail among projects up for PPP". bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  41. ^ User|Yappofloyd meeting with MRTA Planning Division on 7 August 2019 at MRTA Headquarters
  42. ^ "'ศักดิ์สยาม'สั่งลุยเปิดประมูลรถไฟฟ้าสายสีส้ม-ม่วงใต้ภายในปีนี้". Thai Post | อิสรภาพแห่งความคิด. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  43. ^ เช็กคืบหน้ารถไฟฟ้าทุกสี ต้นปี 64 เปิดประมูล สีม่วง “เตาปูน-ราษฎร์บูรณะ. Prachachat, 1 December 2020
  44. ^ Theparat, Chatrudee (30 October 2020). "Tangled lines". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  45. ^ Bid to extend Purple Line to Sai Noi intersection. The Nation, 5 May 2011

External links[]

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