Phuket’s new Airport Bus slated for July 1 launch

[Lite Beer]

Phuket’s new Airport Bus slated for July 1 launch
Phuket Gazette -

V/Gov Chamroen confirmed the committee will ratify the decision to launch the new airport bus service next week. Photo: Irfarn Jamdukor

PHUKET: The Phuket transport authorities today verbally agreed to launch the new Phuket Airport Bus service on July 1.

The provincial transportation committee will meet again next Tuesday to ratify the decision in writing, Phuket Vice Governor and committee chairman Chamroen Tipayapongtada confirmed.

Of the 29 government officers, airport officials and tourism and hotel industry representatives present at the meeting today, not one person represented taxi or tuk-tuk associations on the island.

“After much discussion today, we have agreed to launch the new bus service in two steps,” V/Gov Chamroen explained.

“First, on Tuesday next week, we will officially approve the new service from the airport to Patong only,” he said.

“The 24-seat buses will run every hour from about 6am, when the first flight arrives at the airport, to about 9pm,” V/Gov Chamroen said.

“Then, as our second step after the new service has launched, we will invite every affected party to join a discussion to resolve any conflicts,” he added.

The decision to launch the new service was unanimous, Phuket Land Transport Office chief Terayout Prasertphol explained.

“Every committee member agreed the bus service should go ahead… The new service will benefit the people of Phuket and tourists. They will have more choices in road transport at affordable prices,” Mr Terayout said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-s-new-Airport-Bus-slated-for-July-1-launch-21305.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-06-11

[JetsetBkk]

Will the buses have a police escort or other protection?

We all know what happened last time and the money-grabbing transport scum have only got worse.

[Guest]

The Phuket news story was somehow more juicy.

http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-bus-service-to-go-as-far-as-patong-only-40063.php

V/Gov Jamroen was plainly sick of the delays, and of constant obstruction of provincial plans by people who think only in selfish terms. “I think that society is now sick, Phuket is sick.” He also wanted “good people” to stand up and be counted. “Phuket society is corrupt because good people stand by and do nothing.”

That's the talk Phuket currently needs.. and then of course action.

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Airport bus service to go as far as Patong only
Naraporn Tuarob

PHUKET: A decision was made today that the Airport-to-Kata bus service will be launched this month, but initially it will go only as far as Patong.

This is due to warnings from taxi drivers in Kata and Karon that they will block roads and possibly use violence to stop the service, which they view as a threat to their livelihood.

The decision to start the new service was made at a meeting this afternoon (June 11) at the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO), chaired by Vice-Governor Jamroen Thippayapongthada.

Opinions voiced at the meeting showed that impatience from a wide section of society with the opposition to just about everything displayed by the island’s taxi drivers.

V/Gov Jamroen was plainly sick of the delays, and of constant obstruction of provincial plans by people who think only in selfish terms. “I think that society is now sick, Phuket is sick.” He also wanted “good people” to stand up and be counted. “Phuket society is corrupt because good people stand by and do nothing.”

So the bus will go to Patong. As to the section of the service between Patong and Kata via Karon, a public hearing is to be held soon – the date has yet to be fixed – probably at Phuket Rajabhat University.

Peerapong Polpramoon, President of the Phuket Press Club, urged officials to invite as broad a section of society as possible to the hearing.

“We should invite people from every section of society in equal proportion instead of only groups who think they stand to lose from the plan. We have laws to cover [opposition] and this [bus service] is a good project for the public as a whole.”

Krissada Tansakul, Vice-President of Phuket Tourist Association, said, “I agree with this [bus service] idea and it will be good if we can do it fast.

“Why do we have to bow to them [taxi drivers] when we have laws and regulations ready to be enforced. The administration has a duty to take care of it. It’s not hard to do.”

He suggested opening up the service to bids from other companies apart from the one that won the contract to run it, whose identity has so far been kept secret.

“Is it possible to [re]open the bidding for the bus line? For example, in Patong we have many entrepreneurs such as Pisona; would it be possible for them to take part of the bidding? If yes, they will be a good buffer, instead of just a single company getting the concession.”

(Pisona is the business vehicle of Phrap Keesin, son of Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, who recently agreed that the bus could stop in one place in Patong. Mr Phrap is also chairman of the Phuket Taxi Federation, which groups a large percentage of Patong’s tuk-tuks.)

The bus service also received support in today’s meeting from representatives of hotel associations, the tourism industry and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.

“The conclusions of today’s meeting will be brought up in the Provincial Meeting and I think we should be able to launch the service from the Airport to Patong within this month,” said Jaturong Kaewkasi of the PLTO.

The latest plan is for the bus service to run 16 times a day between 6am and 9pm. The buses have the capacity to seat 24 people.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-bus-service-to-go-as-far-as-patong-only-40063.php

-- Phuket News 2013-06-11

[LivinginKata]

What a surprise ... not ...

[JetsetBkk]

The Phuket news story was somehow more juicy.

http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-airport-bus-service-to-go-as-far-as-patong-only-40063.php

V/Gov Jamroen was plainly sick of the delays, and of constant obstruction of provincial plans by people who think only in selfish terms. “I think that society is now sick, Phuket is sick.” He also wanted “good people” to stand up and be counted. “Phuket society is corrupt because good people stand by and do nothing.”

That's the talk Phuket currently needs.. and then of course action.

“Phuket society is corrupt because good people stand by and do nothing.”

Yes, but the good people don't usually have a bunch of thugs to protect them. Officials often only make comments on a situation provided their names are not printed. Shows what a society Phuket has become.

[asdecas]

In the unlikely event that the thug taxi and tuk-tuk drivers allow this new service to run unimpeded, sixteen 24-seat buses a day, or one every hour or so during service hours, will be wholly inadequate to satisfy demand - assuming that the fare is not extortionate, that is.

[Soupdragon]

This is due to warnings from taxi drivers in Kata and Karon that they will block roads and possibly use violence to stop the service, which they view as a threat to their livelihood.

If the identity of those issuing the threats is known why are they not arrested?

[steelepulse]

If the buses end at Patong, I can't see people opting to take this service instead of the shared vans from the airport. I thought the main purpose of these buses was to run from Patong to Kata picking people up along the way for a reasonable price, similar to what they have in Pattaya.

[belg]

every bus will have at least one policeman on board, a bulldozer in front and a machine turret on top of each bus

so, that will be safe

55555

[FritsSikkink]

24 seats per hour is a joke.

[eezergood]

This is due to warnings from taxi drivers in Kata and Karon that they will block roads and possibly use violence to stop the service, which they view as a threat to their livelihood.

If the identity of those issuing the threats is known why are they not arrested?

That would involve actual poice work!

[stevenl]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

[NamKangMan]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

Meanwhile, everyone is using baht buses in Pattaya, and metered taxis in Bangkok, and we are supposed to be happy with this????

Get real.

[madmitch]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

I hope you are right, as will most Phuket residents (I don't think taxi and tuktuk drivers are in the majority just yet!).

[Wavefloater]

If it's only one 24-seat bus every hour and limited to Patong, it's a joke. This is only a gesture to do something about all the negative transportation press Phuket gets. Even though, I predict there will aggressive resistance and attempts to disrupt the service as allowing to work will be seen as giving an unwanted inch. You know the old saying, "Give them an inch and they'll take a mile."

I wonder who they're going to convince to be the driver. Would you do it?

[stevenl]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

Meanwhile, everyone is using baht buses in Pattaya, and metered taxis in Bangkok, and we are supposed to be happy with this????

Get real.

Positive thinking people are glad with a positive development, negativists want to reach the ideal situation from scratch.

Get real.

Edited June 12, 2013 by stevenl

[NamKangMan]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

Meanwhile, everyone is using baht buses in Pattaya, and metered taxis in Bangkok, and we are supposed to be happy with this????

Get real.

Most people are happy with a positive development, others want to reach the ideal situation from scratch.

Get real.

"Ideal situation" - it's public transport, an essential service. It exists everywhere else in Thailand, but Phuket.

"Most people are happy" - what rubbish.

Why should the locals, tourists and expats, on Phuket, be happy with a small concession from the transport mafia????

People here only want what everywhere else in Thailnad has, nothing more, nothing less.

You may accept the corruption here as "Thai culture" - but I do not. It's only "Phuket culture" that allows such corruption.

Edited June 12, 2013 by NamKangMan

[gerrythepoet]

I was planning to visit Phuket but with all the threats from taxi drivers and tuk tuks back to the drawing board. It is so crazy that anywhere else in the world the tourists are welcomed because of their economic contribution to elevate whatever poverty exists and to raise the standard and well being of the local people. However I am sure if one sticks to the North of the Island one should be safe. I normally investigate a hotel which offers airport transport and then I feel safe after the flight to get to my hotel and unpack.

[stevenl]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

Meanwhile, everyone is using baht buses in Pattaya, and metered taxis in Bangkok, and we are supposed to be happy with this????

Get real.

Most people are happy with a positive development, others want to reach the ideal situation from scratch.

Get real.

"Ideal situation" - it's public transport, an essential service. It exists everywhere else in Thailand, but Phuket.

"Most people are happy" - what rubbish.

Why should the locals, tourists and expats, on Phuket, be happy with a small concession from the transport mafia????

People here only want what everywhere else in Thailnad has, nothing more, nothing less.

You may accept the corruption here as "Thai culture" - but I do not. It's only "Phuket culture" that allows such corruption.

You're quoting a reply from me but not replying to anything I said. Just coming up with different things and interpretations of what I said. No point in any form of discussion with you, so no reply from me to NKM here anymore.

[NamKangMan]

I was planning to visit Phuket but with all the threats from taxi drivers and tuk tuks back to the drawing board. It is so crazy that anywhere else in the world the tourists are welcomed because of their economic contribution to elevate whatever poverty exists and to raise the standard and well being of the local people. However I am sure if one sticks to the North of the Island one should be safe. I normally investigate a hotel which offers airport transport and then I feel safe after the flight to get to my hotel and unpack.

Once you step outside of your hotel - how do you get around????

You will be quoted return trip prices that are, in all probability, during low season, dearer than your hotel room, per night. The hotel room has many overheads. Eg. electricity, staff salary, water etc etc. A tuk-tuk has minimal overheads.

You can see why this palce is dying.

[NamKangMan]

@ stevenl

So you are happy with the new bus route. I am not. For me, it doesn't go far enough to fixing the transport issue here.

I don't think you are in a position to post on behalf of "most people."

Realistically, "most people" would be "happy" with a baht bus system along the coast road - you know it, and I know it, so why accept anything less from a gang of criminals????

[JetsetBkk]

every bus will have at least one policeman on board, a bulldozer in front and a machine turret on top of each bus

so, that will be safe

55555

I've just got a preview of one of the new buses:

.

[cabanlit]

NKM - what you're saying is the 'final solution'. You ain't going to get that in one step.

Fully agree with stevenl that this is a great first step. Let's just hope that this inch that seems to have been given can gain momentum, cos this situation will only change gradually , never in one fell swoop.

24 seats is two crazy minibuses off the roads a few times a day. So, even if it's only a small hurt, it wil still hurt a bit. The more they hurt, then the more they could fight. But, it could also work the other way so over time the options and choices for tourists improve.

Even if this inconveniences us that live here a bit, i think we should make an effort to support this bus if we're travelling from the airport to patong.

[steelepulse]

Yes it's a good start, but does anyone seriously think people are going to take this vs. a shared van from the airport to their hotel? The cost is just about the same, and the van eventually (hopefully) gets you to your hotel, while the bus service drops you off so you need to take a taxi, tuk tuk or motorbike taxi to finally reach your destination at an expense of greater time and cost than the shared vans..................... Seriously, who will take this option of the bus to Patong?

[KarenBravo]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

A premature ejaculation.

Without the Patong to Karon leg, the bus service will wither and die. Also, only one stop in Patong? Yer think that someone connected to the tuk-tuks mandated that condition?

[NamKangMan]

This is just a start, which also the taxi coops know, so some are trying to stop it.

But as some others have realised, there is no stopping this development. Next steps will be extending this service to Kata and hop on-hop off in Phuket Town, and more good new things will follow.

The tide has turned.

To those claiming the number of seats is not enough: let's hope it is not enough so the service can be expanded. Things have to start somewhere.

A premature ejaculation.

Without the Patong to Karon leg, the bus service will wither and die. Also, only one stop in Patong? Yer think that someone connected to the tuk-tuks mandated that condition?

Exactly.

Whilst there is no proper public transport along the coast road between the beaches, nothing will change.

[JetsetBkk]

<snip>

Without the Patong to Karon leg, the bus service will wither and die. Also, only one stop in Patong? Yer think that someone connected to the tuk-tuks mandated that condition?

I wonder if either of these two situations will arise:

1. no tuk-tuks will wait at the one and only drop-off point in Patong

or

2. tuk-tuks will wait and all fares from the drop-off point will be similar to the Airport-Patong fare

[IrishIvan]

I just heard through the TGF whos cousin drives a green plate taxi, that the fare will be 300thb per foreigner and 50thb will be taken out of that fare and will be divided among the Patong Taxi Association. When they eventually get to Kata / Karon the fares will be 350thb and the taxi/tuk tuk drivers will get 100thb in Kata/Karon for loss of earnings.

Thai nationals will be charged 75thb with no money going to either groups of taxis

[Loptr]

One thing certain and two things sure, I would not want to be one of the first tourists to ride this bus. Visions of bricks coming through the windows comes to mind.