Bangkok commuters who use the BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit line may have been in for a surprise of late.
That’s because one of the line’s terminal stations has changed. On Nut — usually depicted on the left on station signs like the one above — is gone. In its place is Bearing.
Bearing?
(Click here for a bigger version of the map.)
Indeed. It’s the new On Nut.
As you can see in the map above, the Sukhumvit line has been extended in the southeast.
As the official MCOT reports, the extension opened on Aug. 12:
The route extends the Sukhumvit line, which until today ended at On Nut station. The new stations include Bang Chak, Punnawithi (near Soi Sukumvit 101), Udom Suk, Bang Na and Bearing stations, with a total distance of approximately 5.25 kilometres.
The extension will remain open for service without charges until Jan 1, 2012, when a new fare structure is expected to be initiated.
You can find more info at Thai Blogs. I haven’t (yet) come across an explanation for the Bearing station’s name.
Has anyone heard anything?
(Map: BTS.)