Yellow and Pink monorails getting a ‘wheel’ new level of safety

Reinforcement of the guidewheels on all Yellow and Pink monorail trains has been announced to enhance the systems’ safety in Bangkok. The director of Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co (EBM) and Northern Bangkok Monorail (NBM), Surapong Laoha-unya, who is also the CEO of BTS Group Holdings, revealed the initiative yesterday, August 8.

This decision follows an incident on January 2 when a guidewheel from a Yellow Line monorail train detached and struck a taxi beneath the tracks on Theparak Road. Surapong assured that extensive checks have been conducted by EBM in collaboration with Alstom Thailand, the train manufacturer, resulting in the replacement of necessary parts to ensure passenger safety.

To further prevent such occurrences, Alstom will reinforce the guidewheels with a new locking mechanism, designed to secure the wheels even in case of a failure. This mechanism will now be constructed from stainless steel for enhanced durability, said Surapong.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of both our commuters and motorists below.”

Initially, this new locking mechanism will undergo testing on a single Yellow Line train at the end of the month. Following successful trials, the entire fleet will be equipped with reinforced guidewheels. Once deemed safe, NBM will implement the same enhancements on the Pink Line trains.

Additionally, EBM is increasing the frequency of safety inspections along the monorail line. These checks will be supervised by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and the Department of Rail Transport to ensure thorough oversight.

Surapong reiterated that these measures are in place to maintain public confidence in the safety of the monorail systems, aiming to prevent any future incidents.

In related news, the MRTA has formally requested permission from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to utilise its areas for the construction of the western route of the Orange Line. This new route aims to connect Bang Khun Non and Min Buri.