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All stations are built to a common design theme. Platforms are 150 m long and can accommodate
a 6-car train. At present, only 3-car trains are being operated. Stairs from street level (see photo below) give
access to a mezzanine where ticket offices and ticket machines are located. The mezzanine is also provided with a station
control room and spaces for various concessions, some of which are already occupied. At
many stations, a network of elevated footpaths and bridges connect with the mezzanine (see photo above) to give access to
local adjoining streets. The mezzanine level leads to the ticket office, automatic ticket vending machines and the automatic
faregates. The ticketing system uses plastic stored value tickets and these are offered for single journeys as well as stored
value cards of up to 500 Baht. The TVMs sell only single journey tickets and only accept coins. Because of the
demand for change, each ticket hall area has a table set out where young ladies are employed (see photo above) to provide
change during the busier periods of the day. This appears to be a temporary arrangement. Access from the mezzanine to the platforms is either by more stairs or escalators. Escalators are not provided
in all locations but the standard design has one rising to each platform. Exit down is via stairs. Escalators
are designed to transit standards, with a four-step flat portion. At platform level, there
is a uniform design approach. While the design is pleasing to look at, the sameness at every station leads to a feeling
of boredom and dullness. A split station roof design has been adopted, with a central opening for ventilation purposes.
The canopy over each platform is also mounted on two levels, with an intermediate gap to aid air circulation in the tropical
temperatures. There is no forced ventilation or air conditioning on stations. The
tropical heat and severe rain conditions lead to special requirements for station designs. Not least is the importance
of good drainage to carry away rain water and the need to extend platform canopies far enough to protect waiting passengers
from driving rain and the tropical sun. In the case of protection from sunlight, there are some problems as can be seen
in the centre photo above, where passengers are forced to gather in a small area of shade to protect themselves from the direct
sunlight. It is also interesting to see the handrails of all stairs and barriers are in unpainted stainless steel.
This becomes very hot in direct sunlight and needs some sort of protection to allow it to be touched under these conditions.
During the construction phase, there was some criticism in the Bangkok press about the
lack of lifts at stations for the disabled. Only five stations are equipped with lifts. This was an afterthought,
only included in the construction after a public protest.
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