Phuket's Plan for Water Taxis: A New Way to Beat Traffic

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Phuket is charting a new course to address its infamous traffic jams by embracing a water transport system. This innovative initiative seeks to alleviate road congestion on the bustling island, aiming to offer a more seamless and scenic travel alternative.

 

On February 17, key figures gathered at the Phuket Provincial Hall's Smart Operations Center to discuss this ambitious plan, especially the proposed 'Boat Taxi' service. The meeting, spearheaded by Doctor Somkid Chokhong, an advisor to the Governor of Phuket, sought to forge a path towards integrating maritime transport into the island’s transportation strategy.

 

Participants examined the current infrastructure challenges, chiefly the ongoing road construction and its impact on traffic. The Phuket Marine Office is at the forefront, exploring how waterways can serve as a practical substitute for land travel.

 

A notable proposal included establishing new mooring buoy locations across Phuket. Suggested sites encompassed areas from Sirinat National Park through to Karon, highlighting potential hotspots for water taxi services. These locations could revolutionize daily commutes and offer tourists a unique way to experience the island.

 

Efforts also focused on navigating the regulatory terrain needed to implement such an innovative system—a task requiring input from multiple stakeholders to ensure all legal requirements are met.

This plan aligns with a directive issued by the Prime Minister and a Cabinet resolution from January 13, prioritizing water transport as a booster for Phuket’s economy and tourism, as highlighted by Phuket News.

 

The water taxi initiative not only aims to ease traffic but presents an eco-friendly alternative that supports Phuket’s sustainable growth and economic development.

 

In tandem with the water transport plan, another significant proposal on the horizon is the introduction of a monorail system. Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently suggested this as a strategic response to the island’s increasing traffic difficulties. The monorail would complement efforts to improve Phuket's infrastructure, offering residents and visitors an elevated travel experience free of road congestion.

 

These dual transport innovations reflect Phuket’s commitment to modern solutions addressing the twin challenges of urban expansion and environmental sustainability. As plans progress, the initiative could turn the tide for traffic management on the island, making commuting a more pleasant and efficient experience for all, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[Heminda]

5 minutes ago, webfact said:

Smart Operations Center to discuss this ambitious plan, especially the proposed 'Boat Taxi' service.

They should not use so much laughing gas and does the TUK TUK confederation agree or is it their new business model?

[flyingtlger]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

This innovative initiative seeks to alleviate road congestion on the bustling island, aiming to offer a more seamless and scenic travel alternative.

 

Next thing you know, they'll be charging a congestion pricing fee like New York city.....

[stevenl]

Water transport is only viable half year, not environmentally friendly and per head much more expensive than road transport. There will also be additional transport requirements. 

Not viable. But if they pay, i'd be happy to do a viability study, of which the result is that more research is necessary.

[hotchilli]

Thailands water safety record is almost as bad as on the roads..

[PETERTHEEATER]

I look forward, in the near future, to a trip on Phuket's undersea monorail running from who knows where or when.

[david rucker]

Could be available year round with ports on both sides of island near airport.

[Aussie999]

They looked into this a few years ago, nothing happened, except someone made money, a good portion of the year the sea is too rough... It takes longer than by road, get to your destination you need taxi/tuk tuk to the pier, board the sea taxi, the on arrival taxi/tuk tuk to your destination. So, minimum, 3 fares instead of one