Airport Rail Link reduces service frequency in Bangkok due to system upgrades

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok implemented a revised schedule on September 7, operating at 15-minute intervals throughout the day due to system modernization efforts. This change represents a reduction from the standard nine-minute frequency, affecting both morning and evening rush hours.

To mitigate the impact on commuters, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) provided free shuttle buses between Suvarnabhumi and Makkasan stations, as well as between Hua Mak and Makkasan stations, running every 30 minutes between 6:00 and 10:00. Additionally, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operated extra suburban trains starting at 6:00 to serve as an alternative.

The service adjustment was announced late the previous evening, leading to passenger frustration and crowding. The ARL has faced previous reliability issues, including derailments and power outages in July. The current operator, Asia Era One, is scheduled to hand over operations to the State Railway of Thailand at the beginning of October.