At last we see the commercial opening of the airport rail link, but the delay in its opening has not been properly explained in any way by those responsible. This should have been done, and those responsible identified, as the cost of this public asset lying idle and financially idle for so long has been an unnecessary charge to the taxpayer.
Moving on from this, let us examine the connectivity of the link. It does indeed connect with both the MRT and the BTS. But the connection with the BTS is inarticulate, as if the intention is to maximise the use of the Airport Express. I cannot see BTS transferees getting on a commuter train at Phya Thai for two stops to get off again at Makkasan so as to board an express train.
Finally, let's examine nomenclature. Whilst the rail link takes the station name at Phya Thai from the BTS, it does not take Phetchaburi from the MRT at the interchange there, instead taking Makkasan. This needless confusion is not new, however, as the interchange stations between the BTS and MRT are equally lacking in coherence. On the MRT we have Chatuchak Park interchanging with Mo Chit on the BTS, and Sukhumvit against BTS's Asoke, and finally Silom against BTS's Sala Deng.
Whilst the airport link has given a quantum boost towards an integrated transport system from a previously highly dysfunctional miasma, the connectivity aspect to the BTS and total lack of integration of station names throughout the network is nothing but an own goal. The naming of stations is paramount for clear understanding by users that the system does indeed integrate.
John de Laurent
Bangkok
The unions do have a big say in the US
Re: "Let's hear the voiceless workers", Letters, August 24.
I do not understand how A. Johnsen can say the US does not listen to the unions. "In the so-called democratic, developed part of the world (except the US), the national labour organisations and trade unions are some of the most important players in the political landscape. When are you media going to reflect the workers' view of the world and give them a voice in democracy?"
In the US, the unions donate large sums of money to political parties. When the party is elected, they are expected to repay the debt to the union. Presently in the US, the government has taken over General Motors and Chrysler, which were publicly owned. The US government gave 55 per cent of Chrysler and 17.5 per cent of GM to the unions. General Motors is 89 per cent owned by the government and the unions. GM should stand for Government Motors, not General Motors.
Tom
Bangkok
That's not true entertainment
It's been months since Truevisions cancelled the BBC Entertainment Channel. Having just returned from a trip to India, where it was available and very entertaining, I must say it is a travesty that it was cancelled here. Truevisions has slowly but very surely dismantled a great satellite TV service since taking over UBC. I remember back in 2004 there was so much choice, I had to purchase a DVD recorder in order not to miss shows almost daily. Now I only use it a few times a month.
Thailand is now behind in new series, and the movie choice is recycled almost weekly now. What happened to "Lost"?
Has a complaint page/forum been set up by anyone that can be used to let Truevisions know how its customers feel, and maybe get some say in what is aired?
Victor Meldrew
Bangkok