Airport link faces delays

Airport link faces delays

Bangkok’s airport express train should open for commercial services in March 2010.

bangkok-rail-stationThe new airport rail link that will offer a 15-minute express train transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city will be officially declared open, 5 December, leading up commercial services by March 2010.

Although the official opening has been set for 5 December, on His Majesty the King’s birthday, full commercial services for passengers will not be available for another three to four months, due to technical hitches and delays in building stations.

Also equipment to support the terminals and downtown baggage check-in will need to be installed and fully tested.

There are two important downtown stations – Makkasan the main terminal for downtown check-in and at Phya Thai the last station on the line that will have a passenger walkway to the BTS Skytrain.

Before downtown check-in can operate airlines will have to sign off on security measures and baggage handling equipment will need to be installed. Construction on the two stations is also behind schedule.

The service will be run by the State Railway of Thailand, a decision that does not encourage confidence in the travel industry.

Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2009/07/airport-link-faces-delays/