Taxi Restrictions

[Bangkok Barry]

from the Bangkok Post:

Taxi rank plan aims to solve traffic problems

Cabs on six congested city roads will be able to pick up passengers only from designated taxi ranks during peak hours from Oct 15. PM's Office Minister Newin Chidchob said taxi operators yesterday agreed to form a panel to designate locations for taxi stands by Oct 1.

Taxi ranks will be set up in front of government offices and private firms on New Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, Ramkhamhaeng, Phahon Yothin, Charan Sanitwong and Ratchadaphisek roads.

Cab drivers violating the agreement on these roads could lose licence points, be forced to do community work, or even have their licence cancelled.

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So, how do people get to the taxi ranks?

Yet another restriction being placed on Joe Public. Much too easy to wave a taxi down. Now we have to walk how far to catch one? How many ranks will there be?

I've already seen plenty of this foolishness at On Nut station, where hundreds of people are forced off every train because there is not even the remotest chance of the line being extended to where people actually want to go. Police are often there harrassing drivers and the public who merely want to continue their journey, only for the taxis to be waved on by the boys in brown.

It never ceases to amaze me what people here put up with. One day there'll be an explosion of protests and all ###### will break loose. As it has before against the dictators.

[ovenman]

There is a lengthy thread on this topic running in the News forum.