Huge changes proposed for Phuket’s taxi and tuk-tuk system

[webfact]

Huge changes proposed for Phuket’s taxi and tuk-tuk system
Tanyaluk Sakoot


Drivers of black-plate vehicles will be charged: Teerayut Prasertpol of the Land Transport Office.

PHUKET: -- With the Army backing them, transport officials in Phuket are moving to make radical changes to the way taxis, tuk-tuks and minibuses operate on Phuket.

If they get their way, the surly groups of taxis and tuk-tuks waiting for fares and haggling for the highest possible amount, and the multitude of exclusive taxi territories dotted around the island will be a thing of the past.

Instead, all taxis will have meters and will be obliged to use them, resulting in a situation more like that in Bangkok.

Teerayut Prasertpol, Chief the Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO) told The Phuket News today, “I have already sent a list of standard meter taxi fares to the [National Council of Peace and Order – NCPO].

“The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.”

“The vehicles used must be no more than six years old, and must have engine capacities of at least 1,500cc.”

Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang airport will be examples for Phuket International Airport to follow when it comes to taxi organisation. All meter taxi drivers who want to operate from the airport must initially register with the airport, giving such information as name, address, age, gender, photo, and details of the vehicle.

As at the Bangkok airports, taxis would arrive and join a queue to wait for passengers. Passengers would go to a taxi desk, state their destination and be given a slip to hand to the first driver in the queue.

This part of the plan has yet to receive agreement from the Phuket International Airport management, but it has been pointed out that the airport car park is a public area – technically a “special” area, but still public – so for the airport it may be legally difficult to block the entry of hundreds of meter taxis.

“We will talk with Phuket International Airport about taxis in the coming week,” Mr Teerayut said.

Under the plan, the PLTO would also open up the system to allow illegal “black plate” taxis to become legitimate – though not as green-plate “limousines”.

At first, the PLTO may issue probationary coloured plastic stickers for black-plate drivers to fix to their vehicles. The colour will probably be changed each year until eventually the drivers and their cars qualify for yellow public transport number plates.

As for the green-plate vehicles, at the airport no changes will be made. But other green-plate vehicles must been registered as being affiliated with a hotel or a tour company. The PLTO aims to cap the number of green-plates at current levels.

This is to push drivers towards driving meter taxis rather than “limousines”, Jaturong Kaewkasi, the PLTO’s Chief Adviser, explained.

“If all black-plate taxis could become meter taxis that would be good for Phuket.”

Another part of the plan is to tackle the tuk-tuk mess. The PLTO has in the past tried to limit the number of tuk-tuks but the rules have been constantly broken.

Currently, there is a huge underground market for yellow tuk-tuk plates, which can sell for a million baht or more, depending on demand.

But if the PLTO plan goes through, the plates will be non-transferable, which should more or less collapse the market. If any driver wants to stop driving a tuk-tuk (for example, to upgrade to a meter taxi) he or she must return the registration to the PLTO.

Minibuses are also to brought into line. There are currently just 20 minibuses on Phuket registered with yellow plates but, Mr Jaturong said, “More then 100 illegal minibuses operate on the island, none of which have registered their details with us.

“We will open up registration to them to allow them to become legitimate.”

There is no deadline for this. But nor will there be any mercy.

Mr Teerayut explained, “Drivers of any black-plate [tuk-tuk, minibus or taxi] we catch will be charged under Section 23 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.” Penalties for offenders can be as high as five years in jail.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/huge-changes-proposed-for-phuket%E2%80%99s-taxi-and-tuk-tuk-system-47411.php


-- Phuket News 2014-07-18

[steelepulse]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

[clockman]

We shall see!

[LivinginKata]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

Never mind the get fined 10K. Yes, 10K fine first offence. 2nd time take away their licence. 3rd time - jail time.

[NamKangMan]

Thanks LIK for the link in the other thread.

It will be interesting how the unmetered tuk-tuks compete with pricing against air conditioned metered taxis.

They would want to be a lot cheaper, or they will go broke, real fast.

I would like to see them make tuk-tuks flat fare. Eg. Patong to Kata - XXX baht. No haggling. No threats of violence. No changing of the price at the other end.

If the Phuket tuk-tuks refuse to opereate like baht buses, make them just like an ordinary bus - customers pay flat fare.

Edited July 18, 2014 by NamKangMan

[SDM0712]

Can we have Pattaya style Baht Busses please too that charge at the same rate as they do in Patts.

First time I was in Pattaya the baht bus driver's eyes nearly popped out of his head when I got a hundred and fifty out and asked if it was enough. My "friend" grabbed my cash and gave him a twenty and dragged me off whilst enquiring something to the tune of whether I had lost my mind. Never got the 150 back though.

Thank you.

SDM

Edited July 18, 2014 by SDM0712

[Jimi007]

“The vehicles used must be no more than six years old, and must have engine capacities of at least 1,500cc.” I suppose that's just for meter taxis.

What about Tuk Tuks or will they be exempt as are the Green Plate "limo mafia at the airport?" Rhetorical question asked and answered...

[stevenl]

Thanks LIK for the link in the other thread.

It will be interesting how the unmetered tuk-tuks compete with pricing against air conditioned metered taxis.

They would want to be a lot cheaper, or they will go broke, real fast.

I would like to see them make tuk-tuks flat fare. Eg. Patong to Kata - XXX baht. No haggling. No threats of violence. No changing of the price at the other end.

If the Phuket tuk-tuks refuse to opereate like baht buses, make them just like an ordinary bus - customers pay flat fare.

No need for them to be cheaper, lots of people like them over a/c sitting inside taxi's. Or do you mean cheaper as compared to present prices?

[NamKangMan]

Thanks LIK for the link in the other thread.

It will be interesting how the unmetered tuk-tuks compete with pricing against air conditioned metered taxis.

They would want to be a lot cheaper, or they will go broke, real fast.

I would like to see them make tuk-tuks flat fare. Eg. Patong to Kata - XXX baht. No haggling. No threats of violence. No changing of the price at the other end.

If the Phuket tuk-tuks refuse to opereate like baht buses, make them just like an ordinary bus - customers pay flat fare.

No need for them to be cheaper, lots of people like them over a/c sitting inside taxi's. Or do you mean cheaper as compared to present prices?

"Or do you mean cheaper as compared to present prices?" - yes, that's what I mean.

Given this is true, “The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.”

If a taxi from Patong to Kata is going to be around 140 baht - why would someone take a tuk-tuk for 400 baht?

In fact, even if the tuk-tuks matched the metered taxi rate of approximately 140 baht - why would an individual, or a group less then 4 persons, take a tuk-tuk?

[LivinginKata]

<snip>

Given this is true, The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.

If a taxi from Patong to Kata is going to be around 140 baht - why would someone take a tuk-tuk for 400 baht?

this 140 baht idea will not be profitable or economic if the taxi driver has to drive back empty. I drive this route every day and it's about 12km. My fuel only costs are 4 baht/km so there and back = 96 baht. Add on insurance and maintenace. Slim profit for the driver. No need to be too harsh on the owner/drivers. But 400 - 500 baht in a clapped out old tuk tuk is far too much.

[NamKangMan]

<snip>

Given this is true, The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.

If a taxi from Patong to Kata is going to be around 140 baht - why would someone take a tuk-tuk for 400 baht?

this 140 baht idea will not be profitable or economic if the taxi driver has to drive back empty. I drive this route every day and it's about 12km. My fuel only costs are 4 baht/km so there and back = 96 baht. Add on insurance and maintenace. Slim profit for the driver. No need to be too harsh on the owner/drivers. But 400 - 500 baht in a clapped out old tuk tuk is far too much.

I was working on the rough figure that Patong to Kata was around 10kms, so, if it is 12kms, my figures are out a little.

As mentioned in another post, the whole idea of a taxi system is they do not have to return, anywhere, empty, if there is a willing customer to hire them.

The days of self entitlement for these lazy Phuket transport drivers are over.

They have to do a decent days work for a decent days salary, like anyone else - that's it.

They are not a protected species anymore.

[kartman]

<snip>

Given this is true, The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.

If a taxi from Patong to Kata is going to be around 140 baht - why would someone take a tuk-tuk for 400 baht?

this 140 baht idea will not be profitable or economic if the taxi driver has to drive back empty. I drive this route every day and it's about 12km. My fuel only costs are 4 baht/km so there and back = 96 baht. Add on insurance and maintenace. Slim profit for the driver. No need to be too harsh on the owner/drivers. But 400 - 500 baht in a clapped out old tuk tuk is far too much.

Can't see LPG/Cng taxis spending 4 baht km perhaps 2 so they would have a 200 percent markup to take their expenses out of even if they did not get a return fare,don't feel sorry for them or it will be back to square one.

Edited July 18, 2014 by kartman

[ldnguy]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

It's not up to that guy to make the law. I don't see what you find so wrong with him proposing a solution. Do you think anyone should just be able to make up laws?

[Jimi007]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

It's not up to that guy to make the law. I don't see what you find so wrong with him proposing a solution. Do you think anyone should just be able to make up laws?

Well they made a "law" that it was okay to charge at least 900฿ for a Taxi from HKT to Rawai, so why not make a "law" to lower it to something reasonable? I told a Bangkok taxi driver about Phuket taxis. He said; one fare and I'd be done for the day! What? Not have to work? He was as disgusted as I've been lately over the BS that's been allowed to go on around here! This BS about: I'm local, so I can control public land and public transportation needs to stop!

Edited July 18, 2014 by Jimi007

[steelepulse]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

It's not up to that guy to make the law. I don't see what you find so wrong with him proposing a solution. Do you think anyone should just be able to make up laws?

Well, if history for the last 15 years is anything to go by, the " taxi, tuk tuk associations" made up their own laws. They do not allow competition, they set their own boundaries, set their own fares, and beat up innocent passengers when they feel that they have lost face, or they simply felt like it. I could give you a lot of examples of the lawlessness of these thugs, but hey, google's your friend..

So if this has been allowed to happen for the last 15 years with the complicity of the local government, why shouldn't the military come in and declare their own law? BTW, the new law actually is trying to look out for the majority of the citizens, unlike the "law" the taxi tuk tuk associations declared for their personal fifedoms for the last 15 years.

[PattayaPhom]

As half the islands occupants are TT or taxi drivers I see a property crash looming if this is implemented. Cant pay the mortgage etc, some nice cheapies on the market soon.

[Mrjlh]

Why can't they put a meter on the tuk tuks? They have an odometer don't they?

[Searat7]

Tuktuks in Bangkok often cost much more than taxis so would probably be the same in Phuket. As long as metered taxis are readily available I think many in Phuket would avoid using Tuktuks...especially if they know how these people operate

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[oldsailor35]

A good step forward, but instead of "proposing", just make it the law. While officials are at it, make the tuk tuks also use metres ( and if they don't do so, they get fined 10K baht) as well as allow any licensed and regulated vehicle to pick up anyone anywhere. If any group gets caught threatening violence to any driver, away to gaol they go. Everyone has a phone with video recordings these days, so proof will be easy to come by.

I agree, just give them 30 days to comply and then come down on any that are illegal. All this 'warning' is a load of crap as it is already known that they will only do what they are forced to do.

[Dag Ekeberg]

The rates are about twice as expensive as in Bangkok.

Bangkok: 35 baht for first 2 km, then 5 baht per km.

[IamNoone88]

Why not have the same rates as Bangkok - a congested city where taxis have no choice in extended traval times. The rates and distances proposed by Phuket are still expensive vs Bangkok and that just smacks of influential manipulation:

Bangkok Thb 35 first 3km - Phuket Thb 50 first 2km (effective Thb 75 firdt 3km)

Bangkok Thb 5 per km after that - Phuket Thb 10 to 12 Thb per km.

So this great proposal is still more than 100 percent on the cost of a taxi in Bangkok.

So it is still bullshit.

[oldsailor35]

Can some one please explain Black, Green and Yellow plates. Also, what is the use, advantage and reason for Limousines when there are many perfectly good taxis, surely this yet another chance to rip someone off with exorbinate rates.

[oldsailor35]

Can we have Pattaya style Baht Busses please too that charge at the same rate as they do in Patts.

First time I was in Pattaya the baht bus driver's eyes nearly popped out of his head when I got a hundred and fifty out and asked if it was enough. My "friend" grabbed my cash and gave him a twenty and dragged me off whilst enquiring something to the tune of whether I had lost my mind. Never got the 150 back though.

Thank you.

SDM

The bht buses on Samui will rip anyone off if they can. I recently hopped on one from Maenam to the Naton-Donsak ferry terminal, living here i know that the rate should be 60 bht. On arrival, 5 people obviously tourists, who boarded with me were charge Bht150 each. When he tried it on me, i just gave him bht 60 with a nice smiling "cop kun krup" and walked away listening to his yells !

Edited July 19, 2014 by oldsailor35

[Carrerakiss]

It's so simple isn't it. Both identifying the problem with its component parts and the solution.

Will the proposals be implemented and enforced on an ongoing basis? Let's just say I am hoping for the best, but planning for the worst. Particularly with the latter bit.

[KamalaRider]

<snip>

Given this is true, The first two kilometers will cost passengers B50, three to 12 kilometers will cost B12 per km, distances beyond that will be charged at B10/km.

If a taxi from Patong to Kata is going to be around 140 baht - why would someone take a tuk-tuk for 400 baht?

this 140 baht idea will not be profitable or economic if the taxi driver has to drive back empty. I drive this route every day and it's about 12km. My fuel only costs are 4 baht/km so there and back = 96 baht. Add on insurance and maintenace. Slim profit for the driver. No need to be too harsh on the owner/drivers. But 400 - 500 baht in a clapped out old tuk tuk is far too much.

I can asure you it will be profitable, otherwise the Taxi's in BKK wouldn't still exist.

Although, the profit wouldn't be as it is today when a Tuk tuk driver can buy a brand new Fortuner in cash and next year buy the newest model, year after year.

Don't feel sorry for these rats. Yeez, I just insulted the family Rattus.

[Yann55]

Thanks LIK for the link in the other thread.

It will be interesting how the unmetered tuk-tuks compete with pricing against air conditioned metered taxis.

They would want to be a lot cheaper, or they will go broke, real fast.

I would like to see them make tuk-tuks flat fare. Eg. Patong to Kata - XXX baht. No haggling. No threats of violence. No changing of the price at the other end.

If the Phuket tuk-tuks refuse to opereate like baht buses, make them just like an ordinary bus - customers pay flat fare.

Your post reminds me of a joke I always make with newcomers to Thailand when they arrive in Bangkok and find out that Tuk Tuks are by far the most expensive mode of transport :

Question : Why are Bangkok Tuk Tuks more expensive than car-taxis and motorbikes ?

Answer : Because they combine the inconvenients of both.

[KamalaRider]

Why not have the same rates as Bangkok - a congested city where taxis have no choice in extended traval times. The rates and distances proposed by Phuket are still expensive vs Bangkok and that just smacks of influential manipulation:

Bangkok Thb 35 first 3km - Phuket Thb 50 first 2km (effective Thb 75 firdt 3km)

Bangkok Thb 5 per km after that - Phuket Thb 10 to 12 Thb per km.

So this great proposal is still more than 100 percent on the cost of a taxi in Bangkok.

So it is still bullshit.

To be fair, it's not a total sham.

You have to remember the height differencies in Phuket.

When I drive over the hills to Kata, Patong, Kamala, my car gets real thirsty, not under 1 litre per 10Km whilest going on the east side it consumes 1 litre per 13km.

This hike compared to BKK, I do understand.

[Yann55]

Why not have the same rates as Bangkok - a congested city where taxis have no choice in extended traval times. The rates and distances proposed by Phuket are still expensive vs Bangkok and that just smacks of influential manipulation:

Bangkok Thb 35 first 3km - Phuket Thb 50 first 2km (effective Thb 75 firdt 3km)

Bangkok Thb 5 per km after that - Phuket Thb 10 to 12 Thb per km.

So this great proposal is still more than 100 percent on the cost of a taxi in Bangkok.

So it is still bullshit.

Everything in Phuket is 100 percent more expensive than Bangkok.

Why it remains a popular tourist destination remains a mind boggling mystery to me.

[belg]

ah, when the police in charge, paid to do their job, don't do anything that does not profit them directly, you need the army to tell them what to do

[Carrerakiss]

Why not have the same rates as Bangkok - a congested city where taxis have no choice in extended traval times. The rates and distances proposed by Phuket are still expensive vs Bangkok and that just smacks of influential manipulation:

Bangkok Thb 35 first 3km - Phuket Thb 50 first 2km (effective Thb 75 firdt 3km)

Bangkok Thb 5 per km after that - Phuket Thb 10 to 12 Thb per km.

So this great proposal is still more than 100 percent on the cost of a taxi in Bangkok.

So it is still bullshit.

To be fair, it's not a total sham.

You have to remember the height differencies in Phuket.

When I drive over the hills to Kata, Patong, Kamala, my car gets real thirsty, not under 1 litre per 10Km whilest going on the east side it consumes 1 litre per 13km.

This hike compared to BKK, I do understand.

Where are the hills between the airport and Rawai then? Or Phuket Town? Should the fare to those destinations be cheaper due to topography?

if I get a driver with a heavy right foot who uses a lot of fuel, can he charge more than one who drives economically? And what if it's an LPG or NGV vehicle? Should it be a cheaper fare?

You are opening up a can of worms by differentiating in any way.

No, the answer lies in supply and demand. Too low a fare will result in too few taxis. Too high a fare, too few passengers. With the proviso that passengers need protection because tourists often have no choice but to use taxis. But whatever the fare, it shown be clearly displayed on a correctly calibrated meter. That way it is never a rip off, even if the meter rate ends up being set at a level that is expensive.