Project Profile: Gold Line Automated People Mover, Bangkok

Bangkok’s Gold Line is the city’s first driverless Automated People Mover (APM), developed to enhance public transport connectivity in the Thonburi district and integrate with the wider mass transit network. The project utilizes rubber-tired guideway technology to provide a high-capacity feeder service, linking residential and commercial zones to the city’s core rail system. Its implementation serves as a strategic infrastructure asset to support urban development and alleviate localized traffic congestion.

Technical Specifications

The Gold Line operates on Bombardier’s INNOVIA APM 300 system, a rubber-tired automated guideway transit technology selected for its quiet operation and reduced structural footprint. The line is elevated, requiring smaller support columns compared to conventional heavy rail systems. Rolling stock consists of two-car trainsets with a capacity of 276 passengers per train, enabling a designed throughput of 4,200 passengers per hour per direction. The initial operational fleet consists of three such trainsets.

System automation is managed by the CITYFLO 650 communications-based train control (CBTC) solution, which facilitates driverless operation (GoA4). Phase one of the infrastructure extends 1.7 km and includes three stations: Krung Thonburi (GN1), which provides a critical interchange with the BTS Skytrain Green Line, Charoen Nakhon (GN2), and Khlong San (GN3). The planned second phase will add a station at Phrajahipok Road to integrate with the MRT Purple Line, further solidifying its role as a feeder line within Bangkok’s multi-modal transport strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Feeder Line: The Gold Line is not a standalone system but a critical feeder that bridges a key gap in the network, connecting the riverside Thonburi area with the high-capacity Green Line and, in the future, the Purple and Red Lines.
• APM Technology Showcase: As the first APM in Bangkok, it serves as a proof-of-concept for lightweight, automated, and efficient transit solutions in densely populated urban corridors where heavy rail is impractical.
• Catalyst for Economic Development: The line was developed to directly support economic growth and tourism in the Khlong San and Thonburi districts, primarily by improving access to major commercial developments like Icon Siam and other riverside attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Bangkok Gold Line open?

The first phase of the Bangkok Gold Line, covering three stations from Krung Thonburi to Khlong San, became operational in late 2020. The second phase, extending the line to connect with the Purple Line, is planned for future development.

What makes the Gold Line different from other Bangkok trains?

The Gold Line is a fully automated, driverless people mover that uses rubber tires instead of traditional steel wheels on rails. This design results in significantly quieter operation and a smoother ride, making it ideal for navigating through dense urban residential and commercial areas.