Category Archives: bangkok

2019/2020 year-end updates for ExploreMetro maps

As usual, many of the metro systems around Asia are opening new lines and extensions in the last few days of the year. I’m working hard to get the different maps updated as soon as possible, please bear with me as ExploreMetro is a one-person operation, and I have a newborn baby to look after 🙂 Apple also shut down the submission of new apps over Christmas, so there’s a backlog to get new apps approved.

Here’s a summary of the lines and extensions already open during December 2019/January 2020 and the current status on the ExploreMetro apps. If you think I missed anything, please shoot me an email to support@exploremetro.com

Updated now on all platforms:

  • Bangkok – 04 Dec 2019 – Sukhumvit Line, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao – Kasetsart University MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android!
  • Bangkok – 04 Dec 2019 – Blue Line, Tao Poon – Sirindhorn MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android!
  • Shenzhen – 08 Dec 2019 – Line 9, Hongshuwan South – Qianwan MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android!
  • Guangzhou 20 Dec 2019 – Line 21, Yuancun – Zhenlongxi MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android
  • Bangkok – 23 Dec 2019 – Blue Line, Sirindhorn – Tha Phra MAPS UPDATED on web and iOS and Android
  • Beijing – 28-30 Dec 2019, Line 7, Jiaohuachang – Huazhuang + Shuangjing and Batong Line, Tuqiao – Huazhuang, Line 13 Qinghe station MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android!
  • Guangzhou – 28 Dec 2019, Line 8, Fenghuang Xincun – Cultural Park MAPS UPDATED on web, iOS and Android!
  • Taipei – 19 Jan 2020, Circular Line (Yellow) – New Taipei Industrial Park to Dapinglin MAPS UPDATED on web, Android and iOS!
  • Singapore – 31 Jan 2020, Thomson–East Coast Line, Woodlands North – Woodlands South MAPS UPDATED on web, Android and iOS!

Opening soon:

  • Hong Kong – 14 Feb 2020, Tuen Ma Line, Tai Wai to Kai Tak

New extensions to MRT Blue Line and BTS Sukhumvit Line

In August 2019 two of Bangkok’s mass transit lines will receive extensions.

First, the MRT Blue Line will be extended by 5 stations to the west of its current terminus at Hua Lampong: calling at Wat Mangkon, Sam Yot and Sanam Chai, before crossing the river with further stops at Itsaraphap and Tha Phra.

It will be free to take rides on the MRT between Wat Mangkon and Tha Phra during the test runs.

Several of the new stations have impressive designs, such as the Wat Mangkon station (in Bangkok’s Chinatown) which is modelled after a Chinese temple.

Photo from BKKTrains Facebook group

This is just the first phase of ambitious expansion plans for the MRT Blue Line in the next 12 months. In September, it’s planned to open a further 6-station extension west from Tha Phra to Lak Song. This extension will interchange with the BTS Silom Line at Bang Wa.

Additionally, in March 2020, another branch will run north from Tha Phra to Tao Poon, finally completing the Blue Line’s circular loop.

Separately this August, the BTS Sukhumvit Line will be extended by one station north of the current terminus at Mo Chit, to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao (Lat Phrao Interchange). This station will provide an additional interchange with the MRT Blue Line at Phahon Yothin station.

It’s nice to see Bangkok’s metro lines finally extending, and more importantly interchanging with each other! Look out for updates to our Bangkok BTS/MRT map online, on iOS and Android soon!

Bangkok Blue Line and Purple Line finally connected

A full year after the MRT Purple Line opened, the 1km ‘missing link’ between the Blue and Purple Line has finally opened in Bangkok. This means passengers can now change trains at Tao Poon, rather than needing to take a shuttle bus and get stuck in traffic.

The change to the metro map is shown below!

We’ve updated our Explore Bangkok maps for iOS, Android and the web with the change – the new versions should automatically update to your device in the next few days!

MRT Purple Line opens in Bangkok

Bangkok’s newest subway line, the MRT Purple Line opened to the public on Saturday August 6. The new line brings much-needed connectivity to the north of the city, extending 23km from Tao Poon, across the Chao Phraya river at the Phra Nangkhao Bridge, and terminating at Khlong Bang Phai.

Screen Shot 2016-08-07 at 16.08.17

Unfortunately there is not yet an interchange with the existing Blue Line, so at the moment travellers will need to take a free shuttle bus between Tao Poon and Bang Sue, the terminus of the Blue line. There are 15 buses in total, and shuttles will leave every 8 minutes, with the 1km journey taking between 7 and 12 minutes, depending on Bangkok’s notorious traffic.

Fares will cost between 14 to 42 baht.

We’ve updated our online Bangkok metro map with the new line, and updates for our Explore Bangkok iOS app and Explore Bangkok Android app will be available shortly.

 

ExploreMetro comes to Bangkok!

I am delighted to announce Explore Bangkok, the 9th app for ExploreMetro. I recently moved from Shanghai to my new home in Bangkok, and, much like when I arrived in Shanghai ten years ago, I struggled to find high-quality information about the BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (metro) system in Bangkok. Now there’s an map for that 😉

Scenery Samsung Galaxy S5 - 88 - 10-07-2016, 13-03

You can access the app:

The app includes information about:

The app includes a routeplanner, first/last train times, prices, street maps, a “nearby stations” view, and tips for each station. We’ll be working to add better and more accurate information over time, including prices for journeys including multiple services, Thai pronunciations, and more.

Please do download the app, and let me know what you’d like to see added next!