Design for arrival zone of non-road adjacent elevated metro station : a case study of three Bangkok airport rail link (ARL) stations

Abstract

Metro train is a part of passenger’s total journey. It requires interchanges with other public transport system and other modes of transport, such as cars and walking in its arrival zone. However, most of the Bangkok Airport Rail Link (ARL) stations are not conveniently located with respect to main public roads. Difficult to reach by public transportation and private car, lack of parking space, unsecured access, and dangerous crossing are some problems reported by station users during the field survey. The aim of this study is to explore the possibility of creating connecting spaces from ARL stations to the main roads that can facilitate the interchange to other transportation modes. This study focuses on 3 suburban ARL stations: Hua Mak, Ban Tap Chang, and Lat Krabang stations; since no plan has been developed for these areas. Based on literature review and survey of user needs, this study gives examples for an integrated facility in station’s arrival zone to connect the ARL stations to main roads and other transport carriers in the face of various challenges, e.g.: limited space, low-density and regulations that limit development in suburban areas, cultural factors that affect availability of alternative transportation modes and activities in public space, and future city development. The results of the study show that, although situated 3 different site conditions, there are several common design elements that can be drawn from the design process such as, separation of pedestrian and vehicular zones, implementing pedestrian crossing bridges or skywalks for safety, providing motorcycle and bicycle parking behind the main entrance, locating main congested area next to the main entrance with retail facility, station plaza/ park to signify the presence of the stations, and providing car parking facility away from the main station entrance but allow direct access to pedestrian areas.