BANGKOK, 14 January 2014 The road blocks at 8 spots in Bangkok beginning yesterday have resulted in fewer travels overall by people, although usage of the Airport Rail Link and boat services increased.
Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Thiraphong Rodprasoet said there were fewer travels made by members of the public and buses routes had to be adjusted in response to the road blocks by the demonstrators on Monday. The 8 roadblock sites included Ratchaprasong Intersection, Pathumwan Intersection, Asok – Phetchaburi Intersection, Suan Lum – Silom Intersection, Ladphrao Intersection, Victory Monument, Rama 8 Bridge and Chaeng Watthana Rd.
According to the permanent secretary, the number of bus passengers dropped by 30% to around 2 million, from the usual number of 3.1 million passengers per day. The number of Don Mueang Toll Way users dropped 46% to 51,000 trips, from the normal figure of 80,000. The number of Expressway users dropped 50% to 300,000 vehicles, from the normal figure of 600,000. The number of suburb trains passengers, before midday, dropped 40% to 8,000 persons, from the normal figure of 15,000. The number of subway trains users –230,000 trips– was considered normal, although the number of passengers before 9 am was lower than usual. The number of BTS users –700,000 trips– was considered normal, although the number of passengers before 9 am was smaller than usual.
The number of Saen Saeb Canal boat users rose 20% to 60,000 persons, from the normal figure of 47,000. The number of Chao Phraya ferries users increased 40% to 50,000 trips, from the normal figure of 35,000. The number of Airport Rail Link users increased 20% to 48,000 trips, from the normal figure of 40,000.
Real-time information about the status of transportation routes can be acquired at www.mot.go.th and hotline number 1356.
