Passengers using the Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal in Bangkok, formerly the Bang Sue Grand Station, for the first time will be assured of not losing their way in the massive station thanks to new service robots, which will help guide them.
The State Railway of Thailand has put six robots into service, which can communicate in Thai, English and Chinese, to guide passengers to, for example, the ticket booths, the food centre, taxis, buses, the prayer room and the first-aid room.
“Sawasdee krub. Do you need help? To where would you like me to guide you?” asks the recorded voice of the robots.
Additionally, seven smart wheelchairs, which are currently on trial, will be in service soon, to help passengers with disabilities.
The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal begins full service today, with the transfer of 52 long-haul trains from Hua Lamphong for the northern, north-eastern and southern routes. The old Hua Lamphong station will continue to handle the standard, suburban and tourist train services.
The first long-haul train leaving the new terminal today (Thursday) is the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok express.
All northern and north-eastern route trains will, from today, run to Don Mueang on the same elevated track as used by the Red Line suburban train from Bang Sue to Rangsit. This will ease road traffic congestion at the Bang Khen and Thung Song Hong level crossings, where the now redundant barriers will be dismantled.
