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GENUINE reform appears to be taking place among the Patong tuk-tuk, taxi and motorcycle driving group. But the big question, ''how much?'' may not be answered before Phuket's next high season for tourists.
Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob came close to seeking an answer when he told a mass meeting in Patong: ''Your sign says 'Smiling, Take Care of Tourists, Safety.' Don't forget the other phrase, 'Cheap Fare.'''
By most estimates, Phuket tuk-tuk fares are 10 times those of Bangkok, without justification.
About 100 drivers met today at the Royal Paradise Hotel in Patong, where speeches were made outlining the package of innovations being overseen by the Patong Taxi Federation. Another 100 more drivers are to meet on Sunday.
Today's gathering was overseen by vehicle owner and president of the federation, Preechavude Keesin, who set up the group four months ago. Khun Preechavude is also president of the Entertainment Club of Patong.
''This is a good step in the right direction,'' he said today. The group involves more than 1000 people across all methods of ''public transport'' in Patong. The aim is to work out how drivers can fit in with the big picture of the island's economics, he said.
''It's not easy to get everyone involved in this,'' he said. ''We can't go back to tin mines and rubber trees. We have to take time to help people to understand that they need to adapt to the 21st century.''
From June 20, talks will begin on a new pricing structure. All of the groups now in the federation will be involved. Once fares are agreed, the schedule of prices will go to Governor Wichai for approval.
Whether agreement can be reached remains to be seen. There are also other groups of tuk-tuk and taxi drivers around the island who will need to become involved at some stage.
Signs are positive, with drivers now wearing uniforms and in training to improve interaction with tourists. Establishment of a taxi call centre is also planned.
Asked by Phuketwan how the Patong structure could be integrated throughout Phuket, the Governor said he has set up a special committee to sort out the problem. Provincial Hall officials, the transport department, police, local authorities and tourist police were all represented.
''I am sure the issue can be resolved if the long-term benefits of the whole of Phuket are placed ahead of personal interests,'' he said. ''If the drivers cannot solve these problems themselves, then we will have to intervene and solve the problems for them.''
Governor Wichai told the drivers that the big complaint from honorary consuls who spoke on behalf of tourists at two meetings this year was consistently about tuk-tuks and taxis. He said, pointing at members of the audience: ''The tourists say the problem is 'you, you and you.'
''I do recognise that your reputation may be ruined if most of you are good and some of you are bad. It's time to get rid of the black sheep.''
He said there were three requirements. ''You need to have a good system. First, if tourists complain, where do they go? If tourists lose something in your vehicle, who do they call?
''Second, you need to keep track of your income the whole year long, so you know where the money goes and what you can expect to make all year round. You have to charge reasonable rates, the whole year. You cannot just up the prices if you feel like it.
''Third, you have to weed out the black sheep. Why should we spend millions by attracting tourists to come here, only to have someone treat them badly, so they don't want to come to Phuket again?''
He said Phuket would not need international road shows if the word of mouth among tourists was consistently good, as it should be. ''People will not come if they think they are being ripped off,'' he said.
''Scandinavians, Australians, Europeans, they all love to come here. But you need to take good care of them. Times are tougher for tourists. Don't make them too scared to come.''
As the governor was leaving, he said: ''Don't forget to add 'Cheap Fare' to that sign.''
The real test will come when the proposed new fares are made public.
Governor Wichai was involved with a compulsory video conference to discuss the situation in Bangkok with other governors when Phuket's honorary consuls and embassy representatives met with local authorities and police on Monday, but he has extended his tenure until September to start the process of bringing reasonably priced public transport to Phuket.
Monday's meeting was told that no more tuk-tuks would be approved for the island, capping the number at 1130.
LIVE UPDATE The Vice Governor is meeting with honorary consuls now. Here's an update as it happens. Refresh reload for the latest news
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Unless the fare offered comes with some monitoring system, eg meters and enforced meter use, what they say makes no difference.
Posted by LivinLOS on May 29, 2010 12:28