Meter Taxis Are Coming ---again

[Buff-horns]

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Gov takes tough line on airport taxis

PHUKET: Within two weeks meter taxis will have a desk inside the arrivals hall of Phuket International Airport, and three cabs at a time will be allowed to park right outside arrivals – the sacred territory of the island’s airport limousines.

The decision was made by Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura after a meeting yesterday to discuss the simmering dispute between meter taxis and airport limousine groups.

Also at the meeting were Airport Director Sq/Ldr Pornchai Eua-aree, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Decha Budnampeth, Theerayuth Prasertphol of the Phuket Province Transportation Office (PPTO), and representatives of Phuket’s sole meter taxi association.

Limousine groups were invited to send representatives to the meeting, but did not.

Manod Chusak, manager of the Airport Limousine and Business Service Co-operative, said that the drivers did not attend because an agreement had already been struck between them and meter taxi drivers that the meter taxis could have a desk in the car park, nearer to the terminal than the current one.

He added that he did not understand, in light of this deal, why the taxi drivers’ representatives went to the meeting.

K. Manod said that he would relay the decision of the Governor to his members, and it would be up to them to decide what action was appropriate.

K. Teerayuth pointed out that the deal K. Manod referred to was informal only – it did not have the seal of approval of the airport management, which owns the car park.

He added, “Gov Udomsak is aware that his decision will not make the airport limousine operators happy, and that they are likely to stage another protest.” The protest could come within days, he added.

Gov Udomsak said that he was not particularly worried about the possibility of a protest, saying that his main concern was that tourists and other airline passengers should have good choices of transportation in Phuket.

K. Teerayuth added, “We know that when limousine drivers don’t like something they always protest. Many times we have given in to them because we did not want them to stage a big protest, which could affect tourism.”

The Governor’s decision is still subject to the approval of the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT) in Bangkok, and another meeting will be held once the AAT has responded, but the Governor appeared confident of receiving approval.

Airport Director Sq/Ldr Pornchai said that once approval was forthcoming he would cut by half the 995,794-baht monthly concession fee levied on airport limousines.

K. Teerayuth said, “We believe that, within two weeks, the meter taxis will be able to set up a counter inside the terminal and passengers will then have more choices.”

He added that, subject to AAT approval, the new airport buses operated by Phuket Mahanakorn Co would also be allowed to stop outside the terminal for a limited period to load passengers.

Suwan Tamchoo, President of the Phuket Private Meter Taxi Association, told that Gazette that he is just waiting for the go-ahead to set up the desk in arrivals. He said he felt the Governor’s decision was fair, because the limousine group would also receive the benefit of their concession fee being halved.

He added that he could not understand why the limousine drivers’ representatives believed some kind of deal had been struck. “We cannot just move our desk closer to the terminal. That has to be a decision of the airport management. No deal was struck – we just discussed the idea.”

pukettegazzete.com

[RDN]

to the limo drivers, to Gov Udomsak!

[Patong Bob]

I hope they are armoured. Safer driving a meter taxi around Baghdad, I think.

[Old Croc]

Not right up on the politics of the taxi wars. All I know is (as an old crock) I don't like climbing up into the back of a truck. (call it what you like - tuk tuk, baht bus, etc.)

I have enough money to pay to be conveyed to my destination in a car!! Whether it be in Patong, Phuket City or the Airport. Thailand needs to move into the world! Bali did some years ago. The Tuk Tuks were banned and little blue cabs with meters took over. Despite the odd rip off merchant, they made a huge difference to how you moved around places like Kuta.

Thailand needs to know, visitors need something between cattle trucks and limosines to move around

(nice kid RDN )

Edited November 4, 2005 by Old Croc

[leisurely]

We made a special effort to go to Phuket following the Tsunami. We have been at least 6 times since February. We don't intend to come back, the prices really have not changed that much, the taxis and tuk tuks are rip offs and we always end up hiring a car for our stay.

[pgrin]

Not right up on the politics of the taxi wars. All I know is (as an old crock) I don't like climbing up into the back of a truck. (call it what you like - tuk tuk, baht bus, etc.)

I have enough money to pay to be conveyed to my destination in a car!! Whether it be in Patong, Phuket City or the Airport. Thailand needs to move into the world! Bali did some years ago. The Tuk Tuks were banned and little blue cabs with meters took over. Despite the odd rip off merchant, they made a huge difference to how you moved around places like Kuta.

Thailand needs to know, visitors need something between cattle trucks and limosines to move around

(nice kid RDN  )

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

OC,

The deal is the "limo" companies have a desk inside the airport and are allowed to pull right in front. The "limo" is generally a regular sized Toyota. The meter taxi folks drive the same type of taxi you see in BKK, also a regular sized Toyota, but do not have a desk inside the terminal and can not pull up to the curb. To get to these taxis a passenger must cross the parking lot toward the street. If a passenger doesn't know about this in advance there is no way they could find a taxi. This fight does not involve song theows(pick-up trucks with benches) ot Tuk Tuks.

Pgrin

[Sir Burr]

To be fair, this problem was caused by the greedy airport administration.

The limosine company has to pay over a 1,000,000 baht a month for the consession, and, in addition, none of their vehicles can be older than two years.

When the meter taxis were first allowed into the airport, I decided to take one as, I too, was fed up paying through the nose to get home.

But, after having to pay the meter taxi the meter fare plus a 100 baht surcharge, riding in an old car with buggered suspension, cramped seating and a rather dirty interior, I have now changed back to going home in the limosines. It works out at 100 baht more, but, the ride is comfortable, the car is spotless and you get your baggage carried for free.

I think that having meter taxis and buses at the airport is a good thing, as it at least gives you a choice.

[RDN]

I'm also thinking longer term. With the taxis getting a stronger foot-hold in the airport business, I'm hoping it will encourage more services between Chalong, Rawai, Kata, Karon and even Patong.

Then it will be to the tuk-tuk Mafia as well.

[sonthaya]

I'm also thinking longer term. With the taxis getting a stronger foot-hold in the airport business, I'm hoping it will encourage more services between Chalong, Rawai, Kata, Karon and even Patong.

Then it will be to the tuk-tuk Mafia as well. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That sounds like a great idea, I'm hoping for the best, tired of Tuk Tuks