TUK-TUK drivers are waiting to hear more about a proposal to test fare meters in vehicles - the first step in any reform that would give Phuket low-cost public transport alternatives.
Phuketwan was told today to expect action on the issue before the end of May, with Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob, a supporter of the concept of metered vehicles, likely to seek advice from the Department of Transport, which has proposed an efficient and inexpensive public transport network for the island as soon as possible.
Honorary consuls from about 16 nations are expected to make the issue of public transport on Phuket a high priority when they hold a second group meeting with the governor later this month.
Governor Wichai was told in February at the first meeting with the honorary consuls that rip-off fares on Phuket remained the biggest source for tourist complaints about holidays on Phuket, and one of the main reasons why some tourists are not returning.
While the attention of Governor Wichai has been diverted to deal with possible red protests on the island, some Phuket tuk-tuk drivers have been mounting a campaign through local media outlets to convince onlookers that they are capable of reforming their industry from within.
However, formation of local federations makes reductions in both prices and the number of drivers even less likely.
Tuk-tuk and taxi fares in Bangkok remain about one tenth the cost of those on Phuket, with pressure likely to continue unabated for a reduction in prices on Phuket.
Fares on the island are artificially inflated by a lack of competitive pricing, the high cost of tuk-tuks and taxis and licenses, and excessively high rents charged for airport parking by Airports of Thailand.
Drivers are also prohibited from making pickups outside their traditional village zones, forcing vehicles to always return to base empty.
Earlier this year, Governor Wichai made a trip to Germany for the ITB Berlin travel fair and was reported to be impressed with the range of economical travel alternatives he encountered in Europe.
Phuket Tuk-Tuks Versus Light Rail, Pink BusesPhuketwan was told today to expect action on the issue before the end of May, with Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob, a supporter of the concept of metered vehicles, likely to seek advice from the Department of Transport, which has proposed an efficient and inexpensive public transport network for the island as soon as possible.
Honorary consuls from about 16 nations are expected to make the issue of public transport on Phuket a high priority when they hold a second group meeting with the governor later this month.
Governor Wichai was told in February at the first meeting with the honorary consuls that rip-off fares on Phuket remained the biggest source for tourist complaints about holidays on Phuket, and one of the main reasons why some tourists are not returning.
While the attention of Governor Wichai has been diverted to deal with possible red protests on the island, some Phuket tuk-tuk drivers have been mounting a campaign through local media outlets to convince onlookers that they are capable of reforming their industry from within.
However, formation of local federations makes reductions in both prices and the number of drivers even less likely.
Tuk-tuk and taxi fares in Bangkok remain about one tenth the cost of those on Phuket, with pressure likely to continue unabated for a reduction in prices on Phuket.
Fares on the island are artificially inflated by a lack of competitive pricing, the high cost of tuk-tuks and taxis and licenses, and excessively high rents charged for airport parking by Airports of Thailand.
Drivers are also prohibited from making pickups outside their traditional village zones, forcing vehicles to always return to base empty.
Earlier this year, Governor Wichai made a trip to Germany for the ITB Berlin travel fair and was reported to be impressed with the range of economical travel alternatives he encountered in Europe.
UPDATE The process of improving Phuket's public transport has begun with a meeting about light rail and pink buses. Tuk tuk and taxi drivers aim to improve services to compete.
Phuket Tuk-Tuks Versus Light Rail, Pink Buses
Phuket Governor Staying On To Meter Tuk-Tuks
Breaking News Phuket's governor has won an extension in that role and nominated meters for tuk tuks as one of his priorities between now and September.
Phuket Governor Staying On To Meter Tuk-Tuks
Phuket Taxi Abuse: Cruise Line Slams 'Rip-Offs'
Latest Pressure to act on Phuket's taxi and tuktuk monopoly and rip off fares has increased with the criticisms of a cruise line that delivers thousands of tourists to the island.
Phuket Taxi Abuse: Cruise Line Slams 'Rip-Offs'
Phuket-Bangkok Fast Rail Plan to Pursue Recovery
Latest One thing Phuket lacks is a train service, and a fast rail link to Bangkok is now being proposed as a novel way of providing recovery infrastructure to regenerate tourism.
Phuket-Bangkok Fast Rail Plan to Pursue Recovery
Krabi Joins Phuket's Lower Air Fares Push
Latest Intense competition for travellers has led to prices being pushed higher by Thai Airways, a move that has cost them the support of businesspeople in Phuket and Krabi.
Krabi Joins Phuket's Lower Air Fares Push
Phuket Tourist Confronts Starving Bag Thief
PHOTO ALBUM A Russian tourist is robbed at the same spot where a young Swedish visitor had her forearm slashed by a cut and run thief. A suspect says he stole because he was starving.
Phuket Tourist Confronts Starving Bag Thief
"Fares on the island are artificially inflated by a lack of competitive pricing, the high cost of tuk-tuks and taxis and licenses, and excessively high rents charged for airport parking by Airports of Thailand." LOL
The real reason is that the taxi industry is run buy the Thai m****
Posted by Warren on May 14, 2010 19:40