“BTS Elevator”, a big designing mistake for passengers in need?

BTSSince its operation, wheelchair elevators have been installed only in a few stations. There are much more left to complete. Anyway, this is not the main topic today because I’m highlighting on its design layout which appears to be go-through functionality. Passenger from the basement can get into it and go directly through the platform floor without having to buy a train ticket. This extremely affects the BTS’s security system as well as service operation. I will explain you in step-by-step. Practically, the elevator is always closed for service all the time except when an eligible passenger wanting to get to the train. He or she must push a button to call a staff and wait for them to facilitate you. Note that disabled people in Thailand can use the BTS without any charge by law. In addition, at this point, the waiting area in front of the elevator entrance has nothing to cover you from the above like raining or sunlight, a waiting passenger must tolerate with this condition. This is precisely uncomfortable and uncovers how little considerate BTS was during on its design process. In team of service quality and efficiency, this requires at least one staff to take full responsibility for only one disabled passenger. It seems like a personal assistant which is greatly not effective, and not practically functional, as the staff needs to take care other passengers as well. Not to imagine that if there are tons of disabled passengers waiting to be accommodated, there must be extremely confusing.

The above image is an example of the mentioned elevator at BTS Asoke, next to Terminal 21. Anyway, this place is quite acceptable because it has another lift, with a slope, close to the main entrance.

Nevertheless, it’s a problem on designing process, the rest are quite fine. I believe they are going to fix it very soon and find other ways out. Closing the elevator all the time, only open when in need, is not a good solution indeed.