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Phuket's modes of transport desperately need a makeover

Phuket Pink Network to Lift Public Transport Offerings

Thursday, February 17, 2011
A MAJOR revamp is being suggested that would see Phuket's ''pinkie buses'' expand to give parts of Phuket an efficient public transport network. The routes could include Patong to Phuket City.

The idea depends on the current private bus contractors, who would need to hand over to the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, which runs Phuket City's existing successful ''pinkie bus'' service.

Organisation chief executive, Paiboon Upatising, told a meeting about public transport this week that the PPAO was ''happy to take over'' any Phuket private bus services where contractors wished to surrender the role.

Specifically mentioned at the meeting, chaired by Vice Governor Wirawat Janpen, were the Patong-Phuket City, Rawai-Phuket City, Chalong-Phuket City and Mai Khao-Phuket City services.

Khun Paiboon said that the ''pinkie bus'' service would soon be enlarged to include new routes from Phuket City's old bus terminal to the new bus terminal, and from Koh Sireh, east of Phuket City, to Saphan Hin in Phuket City.

Private companies on several routes were now finding it difficult to turn a profit, the meeting was told. The Chief of the Transport Office, Phuket, Kanok Siripaint, was also at this week's meeting.

Local administrators have pledged to fast-track local transport reforms in the light of the failure of Bangkok officials to take into account local needs and opinions.

The organisation's ''pinkie buses'' have won national awards and the praises of observers, crisscrossing Phuket City efficiently and charging low fares, with students travelling for free.

The ''pinkie bus'' success on the east side of Phuket contrasts starkly with Phuket's west coast, where tuk-tuks largely monopolise four-wheel transport, charging extortionate fares and leaving locals with no choice except to find their own transport.

The lack of an efficient, low-cost public transport system encourages gridlock on Phuket's roads, with individuals forced to fend for themselves.

Phuket's new ''pinkie bus'' route proposed between Koh Sireh and Saphan Hin would cost a passenger travelling the whole route 12 baht, with students riding free.

Four new buses are to be added to the two existing ''pinkie bus'' routes, providing a total of 12 buses and more frequent services.

Comments

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May I suggest a couple of routes

Laem Promthep - Kata - Karon - Patong - Kalim - Surin - Nai Thon - Mai Khao - Airport

Patong - Central - Phuket Town (Robinson)

Kata - Karon - Patong - Airport (direct)

Chalong - Kata - Karon - Patong


Clear out space on the Beach road in Patong for a bus stop with route and schedule information in English.

Give people a choice to the outrageous tuk-tuk charges and let them vote with their feet.

Posted by Chris on February 17, 2011 09:15

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Sounds like a productive meeting and hopefully some good will come of it. I have to question the 12 baht fee. No wonder they were finding it difficult to turn a profit. I think people would be willing to pay a bit more and perhaps charge for the actual ride instead of a set fee. The baht bus is much needed and perfect for the Patong area...good luck Mr. Governor.

Posted by Jon on February 17, 2011 10:16

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I think it's a great idea and look forward to using the services....thanks

Posted by Adrienne on February 17, 2011 11:45

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Do not forget Kamala - Patong- Phuket town.
It's a shame it cost 400 B kamala-Patong.

Posted by NO tuc-tuc on February 17, 2011 20:12

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Let's tell the truth, there is no Public Transport system. I suggest
Phuket-Patong-Karon-Kata-Phuket

And an express bus every hour from Patong to Phuket town.

Posted by DAVY on February 17, 2011 22:17

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Have I woken up in a parallel universe? People are actually talking about a cheap bus service between the tuk-tuk controlled west coast resorts!!

This is so funny. It'll never happen until the army is brought in and the thugs are driven out.

No governor or vice governor has the cojones to take on these thugs and I don't blame them. After all, the thugs know where they live.

Posted by Mike Boyd on February 18, 2011 13:07

Editor Comment:

That's the kind of ''fear'' mentality that only flourishes in the minds of the fearful. And it wouldn't be reasonable for you to find everything ''so funny'' unless your own cojones were massive, eh Mike?

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Will the Gov's plan be based on the same implementation policy of the Tuk Tuk's, Patong Parking and JetSki problems.

Almost certain... so yet another load of talk with absolutely NOTHING done. Bit like the 100% Helmet Drive. So, let's dish out another Accolade for something that isn't working.

Posted by Graham on February 18, 2011 14:55

Editor Comment:

There you go, Graham, lamely throwing everything into one dish and mixing it madly. Most of us would prefer to be constructive and don't see doom and gloom everywhere. The helmet campaign has made a difference. If you looked, you would see many families putting helmets on children to take them to school, where once none were worn.

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Ed said:

"That's the kind of 'fear' mentality that only flourishes in the minds of the fearful. And it wouldn't be reasonable for you to find everything 'so funny' unless your own cojones were massive, eh Mike?"

Ed, what is funny is that people posting here are actually suggesting routes for a bus service that'll never happen. They tried once - back in the '90s - and a driver got beaten up (guess who by) and the company packed it in.

As for my 'cojones', they are quite normal in size and, as I already said, I don't blame the governors and vice governors for not taking on these tuk-tuk thugs. I certainly wouldn't.

What is needed is for the army to be brought in and ride on these buses for the first months or even a year so that the tuk-tuk owning families - I'm sure you know who they are - get used to the idea that the days of easy money are over.

Posted by Mike Boyd on February 22, 2011 12:39

Editor Comment:

I guess that means bus passengers will need cojones of a certain size for the first year. More peaceful change is on the way, but it's probably too early to stand waiting for a bus just yet.


Wednesday December 4, 2024
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa

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