PHUKET: Enforcement against illegal Phuket taxis will begin from September 1, Phuket's Deputy Land Transport Director, Wanta Pumararoskon, said today.
People who own illegal taxis now have until August 31 to register them, he said.
He added that tenders were still being sought for bus routes to run from Phuket International Airport to Patong, Karon and Kata. So far there had been no takers.
A meeting was told yesterday that of four committees formed by the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry in May last year, two had achieved their aims.
The committee selecting the new bus routes had nominated the routes from the Phuket airport to the west coast, although there have so far been no applicants, and the committee overseeing the new bus terminus in Phuket City had seen the facility open successfully.
The other two committees - one looking at the issue of illegal taxis and minivans and the other examining fares in tuk-tuks and taxis - had yet to report success.
The meeting heard that original deadlines for registration of taxis in Thalang (july 6) and Kathu (July 11) had passed without registrations taking place.
However, 179 vehicles from Central Festival and 46 from Big C nearby had registered in the Muang Phuket City district.
It was known that more than 200 illegal vehicles were operating at five spots in Mai Khao alone and many more at ranks in Cherng Talay, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao and Patong.
Vehicles that are not registered under the general ''amnesty'' by August 31 will face the prospect of being put off the road, Khun Wanta said today.
People who own illegal taxis now have until August 31 to register them, he said.
He added that tenders were still being sought for bus routes to run from Phuket International Airport to Patong, Karon and Kata. So far there had been no takers.
A meeting was told yesterday that of four committees formed by the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry in May last year, two had achieved their aims.
The committee selecting the new bus routes had nominated the routes from the Phuket airport to the west coast, although there have so far been no applicants, and the committee overseeing the new bus terminus in Phuket City had seen the facility open successfully.
The other two committees - one looking at the issue of illegal taxis and minivans and the other examining fares in tuk-tuks and taxis - had yet to report success.
The meeting heard that original deadlines for registration of taxis in Thalang (july 6) and Kathu (July 11) had passed without registrations taking place.
However, 179 vehicles from Central Festival and 46 from Big C nearby had registered in the Muang Phuket City district.
It was known that more than 200 illegal vehicles were operating at five spots in Mai Khao alone and many more at ranks in Cherng Talay, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao and Patong.
Vehicles that are not registered under the general ''amnesty'' by August 31 will face the prospect of being put off the road, Khun Wanta said today.
Oh I so wish this will really happen.
As to the bus routes, I'm sure many remember what happened to the driver of the Patong/Karon/Kata bus many years ago.
On the 2nd day of operations he was pulled off the vehicle and beaten badly. Service was terminated.
I doubt anyone is crazy enough to risk life and limb to face retribution from the Tuk-Tuk Mob.
The bus lines should be operated by the local government and police MUST provide protection by riding along in every bus until it's safe.
If ever...
Posted by Andrew on July 13, 2012 13:53