Transport Engineer Don Siridhara Digs Deep into Bangkok's Rail Network [Season 3, Episode 71]

With the iminent opening of the MRT Blue Line extension, we
sit down with Don Siridhara, a lecturer and transportation
planning engineer, to geek out over Bangkok's expanding rail
network.


But first - you might want to consult this
handy Google Map that Greg made as you listen that
shows all future rail lines. It's our first interactive
show!


Don discusses why Bangkok's first train line only opened in
1999, why it's taken so long to get up to speed, the challenges
of grafting a modern rail system on top of a 250-year old road
network, what's happening with the Taksin Bridge rail expansion,
and why simply "adding more trains" to solve congestion isn't as
easy as it sounds.


We also discuss the story behind Bangkok's two 'ghost
stations', the holdup with the long-promised one-ticket system,
the new Bang Sue rail terminal, and how maybe, just maybe, the
old old rail depot along Phectchaburi Road will be turned into a
sweet new park.


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