What a surprise.......

Posted by Sir Burr on January 23, 2012 10:49

Metered-taxis is the only answer.
Stubborn local administrations must understand it.

Posted by Whistle-Blower on January 23, 2012 10:55

Well...

"Lack of progress on Phuket in implementing the innovation - which would have been used as a role model for other areas on Phuket - is one of the reasons for Bangkok authorities now looking at all the island's future public transport needs. "

Every cloud has a silver lining? They had the chance of an orderly solution.

Posted by S on January 23, 2012 11:27

Phuket just keeps on painting itself into a corner on the transport issue. The only way anything will happen at this point, is if there is a very bold and drastic change to the present system.

No one thus far seems able or willing to enact and/or implement such changes. And the longer it goes on without anyone taking action, the harder it gets to make those changes at all.

And the wheel keeps turning, round and round...

Posted by Relox on January 23, 2012 12:50

@Relox
Nothing will change as tuk-tuk cartels make money and only the tourists are the sole losers. More and more tourists are flocking Phuket and must use tuk-tuks for transportation.

Posted by Whistle-Blower on January 23, 2012 17:18

@ Whistle-Blower : the tourists are not informed about what these thugs are up to. And what is more exiting for someone from, let's say europe, to sit in the back of a tin can, driving around in tropical Thailand? The tourists love it, and are ( sad enough ) willing to pay the ride, Cause it is still cheaper than a taxi at home, and they have at least a picture of the whole family standing next to that cute red tuk-tuk. Nothing will ever change, as long as the farang is willing to pay.And trust me: the tourists do not think they are the losers, "cause they had to ride in a TUK-TUK. something to tell the friends at home about.

Posted by charles on January 23, 2012 22:50

Charles is correct. And I see tuk tuk loads of happy tourists every day enjoying themselves. Fine, up to them.

The real crime here is that the transport cartel (trans-tel?) blocks any and all attempts to develop other forms of cheaper transportation, as for locals and local expats. And they usually do so with intimidation and/or violence. They want it all, and they want it all for themselves.

Posted by Relox on January 24, 2012 10:31