Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he will summon executives of Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc for an explanation over the frequent delays of it’s BTS SkyTrain services.
The minister’s reaction followed the latest delay of the BTS trains this morning after its signaling system broke down on its Silom and Sukhumvit Routes.
The signal failure at 06.15am at Siam station caused 10-15 minutes of train delays at each station as trains have to run at low speed.
The incident stranded thousands of passengers at various stations along the Silom and the Sukhumvit Routes.
By 08.40am this morning, arrival trains at each station was still delayed by at least 10 minutes.
Mr Arkhom said he needed to inquire explanation from BTS executives over frequent delays in order to resolve the problem soon.
But BTS advisor Arnat Arbhabhirama defended the delay saying this morning’s signaling system was disrupted by radio waves, forcing BTS to shift it’s automation train operation to manual operation instead.
He said it needed to investigate if the disruption was caused by radio interference.
He admitted that since BTS routes pass into high rise buildings in the urban area, causing frequent interference of its signaling system by radio waves.
However, BTS would not point the finger to anyone but to try to resolve the problem on a case by case basis.
But he insisted on the continual safety standards that BTS has adopted and considered as an ultimate practice to serve its passengers.
He said when the safety alarm was sounded after its signalling system was interfered, BTS has to shift to the manual system to ensure ultimate safety to passengers.
