Tuk-Tuk Turmoil May Be At an End
TRIALS of fare meters in tuk-tuks could begin this year in Karon and Kata, Phuket's Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob said yesterday.
The move would represent a major breakthrough in attempting to solve Phuket's chronic transport problems, mostly caused by corruption and rip-offs that are turning off tourists.
The governor said the tuk-tuk organisation in Karon and Kata area was keen to evaluate meters as a solution to widespread alarm about the current price structure.
Governor Wichai yesterday echoed the concerns of tourists and Phuket expat residents about rising fares and noted that all Bangkok taxis had meters.
''The difference here may be that the minimum starting charge on Phuket is 200 baht, not 35 baht,'' he said. ''But we need to look at alternatives to the present system.''
The Karon-Kata tuk-tuk organisation is regarded as the most progressive of Phuket's traditional village-based tuk-tuk groups.
''I've been asked by the Karon-Kata tuk-tuk association to go there and talk about the prospect of metered tuk-tuks,'' he said.
Governor Wichai said the only type of Phuket's assortment of different kinds of high-fare vehicles not to cause complaints were the 68 metered taxis.
''Phuket doesn't have enough of those kinds of metered vehicles,'' he said. ''Why do people queue to wait for metered taxis at the airport? Because they trust the fare in these vehicles.''
Tourists were not using limousines and other vehicles from the airport and around the island because more and more were purchasing inclusive packages.
''Phuket resorts are buying their own vehicles because the fares are too high, and extra commissions are sought at unwanted stops along the way,'' he said.
The governor said the standards of public transport across Phuket needed to improve if its international reputation was to be maintained.
''We need tourists who have faith in a fair deal on Phuket and keep coming back because they like everything about the island,'' he said.
The governor said he wanted to hear that tourists were returning again and again to Phuket, enjoying their holidays each time.
The governor's comments on tuk-tuks came after a protest at Provincial Hall by about 100 airport limousine taxi drivers. The mass protest ended with the governor saying he would offer his view on the best settlement in one week's time.
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Where would you locate a meter in a Tuk tuk? Up front with the driver so the passenger can't see it? In the Philippines certain metered taxis had been wired so the driver could "trip" the meter an extra 20pesos when you weren't looking. i forsee the same problem happening here if you are unable to maintain a "visual" on the meter!
Posted by Antz Pantz on Thursday January 21, 2010 at 09:27