Transport Phuket Plans Boat Taxi Service to Ease Traffic Congestion

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

PHUKET - Boat taxi services are set to connect key beaches and the airport by year's end, according to Surachai Burapanonthachai of the Marine Department. This pivotal new transport option aims to alleviate the island's notorious traffic congestion, particularly between the airport and the bustling downtown areas.

 

The first service is expected to launch within four months, linking western beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon to the airport, with a journey time of approximately one hour. The initiative stems from January discussions led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra with stakeholders aiming to improve island transit.

 

Plans are also in the works for a second route from the eastern coast in the following fiscal year, as the western route faces challenges from monsoon winds and rough waters. Potential eastern routes include connections from Yamu cape, Kaew island, Hin cape, and Por bay to the airport.

 

This innovative approach anticipates providing a swift and scenic alternative for residents and tourists alike, positioning Phuket as a leader in island connectivity while addressing urgent traffic concerns.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-02

 

 

[Will B Good]

The first five taxi boats have already been named and are about to go into service.....

 

 

Omertà 

Made 

Whack 

Clip 

Button man

 

[richard_smith237]

Costal boat taxi services have been dabbled with for decades - its never taken off... 

 

Who's going to use a boat from the Airport - only to be met at a pier by an 'uncontrollable' rabble of TukTuk drivers queuing to rip off arriving tourists and fighting with 'grab / bolt' drivers who are standing by for their fare ??

 

 

 

[richard_smith237]

6 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

The first service is expected to launch within four months, linking western beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon to the airport, with a journey time of approximately one hour.

 

Rubbish...  there is no way a boat can transport a passenger 'door to door' from Kata to the Airport.

 

1) Get from Kata Accommodation to Ferry (with luggage)

2) Ferry Kata to Karon (pickup more passengers - including luggage)

3) Ferry from Karon to Patong (pickup more passengers - including luggage)

4) Ferry from Patong to Kamala (pickup more passengers - including luggage)

5) Ferry from Kamala Airport

6) Get from Airport Pier to Airport - bus ?? (dragging luggage)

 

Thats impossible in 1 hour....

 

Or...  even 

1) Get from Kata Accommodation to Ferry (with luggage)

2) Ferry from Kata to Airport 

3) Get from Airport Pier to Airport

 

Is impossible within an hour

 

 

Or... Taxi

1) Picked up by taxi at accommodation (with luggage)

2) Arrive directly at Airport 

 

From Kamala: 50 mins

From Patong: 1 hr 15 mins

From Karon: 1 hr 30mins

From Kata: 1 hr 20mins

From Rawai: 1 hrs 20mins

[newbee2022]

Expected accidents ahead😳

[lavender19]

In another thread they are discussing improving tourist safety again.

Then they talk about boat taxis. What could possibly go wrong

[hotchilli]

21 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Expected accidents ahead😳

Rudder failures?

[newbee2022]

9 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Rudder failures?

Yes, that's too.

Also, no petrol, no captain, no boat 

[pest]

No A/C i bet .....lovely comfort