Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC), operator of the BTS Skytrain, is preparing to enhance its services by adding train sets and extending each train from four to six carriages. The measure comes amid rising passenger numbers and growing crowding, particularly during rush hours.
BTSC’s financial situation has improved following a partial settlement of debts by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Krungthep Thanakom Co., Ltd. (KT). Approximately 37 billion baht has been paid, covering costs related to the installation of electrical and mechanical systems on two line extensions and outstanding operation and maintenance (O&M) charges. A further 30 billion baht in unpaid debt remains, including unresolved court cases and obligations not yet brought before the judiciary.
Funds received have been used to repay BTSC’s creditors, including banks and bondholders, which has improved the company’s financial liquidity. Part of the budget has also been allocated to enhance service quality and safety, with continued investment in technology and passenger facilities.
Currently, the BTS Green Line, comprising the Sukhumvit and Silom routes, serves around 800,000 daily riders. During a fare-free period from January 25 to 31, 2025, aimed at reducing PM 2.5 air pollution, ridership exceeded one million passengers. Though still below pre-pandemic levels, passenger density has returned in several peak-time segments, prompting BTSC to increase service frequency to every two minutes on the Sukhumvit Line and every four minutes on the Silom Line, despite a bottleneck at Saphan Taksin Station due to a single-track section.
The company is now planning to expand its current fleet of 98 trainsets (392 carriages) and increase capacity on the Sukhumvit Line by adding two more carriages to each train. The platform infrastructure already supports this upgrade, requiring only adjustments to the signaling system.
Meanwhile, plans to convert Saphan Taksin Station’s single-track section to dual track have yet to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. The proposal may be bundled with the upcoming public-private partnership (PPP) tender for operations of the Green Line extensions, which are set to end their concession in 2029. Additionally, discussions continue regarding the future development of Sena Ruam Station, located between Ari and Saphan Khwai.
