Skytrain

I've mentioned the BTS Skytrain in previous posts, so I thought I should actually post some pictures of it!

The Skytrain is a relatively new elevated railway that provides quick and easy transportation around central Bangkok (along with a single subway line, the MRT, and an extensive bus system). Generally, *anything* that allows you to avoid traffic is desirable, because the traffic jams can be horrendous here!



This is what the Skytrain line looks like from street level (actually, slightly above street level, since I was standing on a pedestrian bridge). The large street here eventually becomes Sukhumvit Road, and the Skytrain follows this road (one of the main drags in Bangkok) for much of its length. We live near the start of Sukhumvit.

(ETA: I realized after I posted this that I talked about the horrendous traffic, yet showed a rare picture of Sukhumvit/Ploenchit with almost no cars! The reason is that the police were stopping traffic a little ways behind where I took the picture, for a Royal motorcade of some kind to go through. As it was passing they wouldn't even let people up on the walkways, because being elevated above a member of the royal family is a no-no. This photo was taken after they waved us on but before the traffic had been released yet.)



Where there is a station, there is a platform about halfway up, where you buy tickets (and buy DVDs/VCDs, get a snack at the little shops, etc.) This is the entrance to one of the platforms. There are also certain areas (especially downtown) where this extends into a sort of "Skywalk" for pedestrians, from which there will be bridges to the different shopping centers, department stores, etc. This is a much more convenient way of getting around than trying to walk at street level!



This is the platform itself, at Nana station (the one closest to us). The train on the left is just leaving this station (Thais drive on the left and so do their trains!) and there is another train at the next station which will shortly arrive. I don't have any pictures of the trains proper because I'm always busy trying to get on, but the Skytrain site I linked to above has some pictures, plus route maps if you're interested.