Taxis Phuket Airport

[niagarekoja]

According to the Phuket Gazette Online fourth story down.Black taxis are going to be illegal at the airport and elsewhere.There is going to be a new rank for meter cabs (didn`t know there was an old one Full driver details etc licence numbers and meters running at 50 baht first kilometer and the 7 baht a kilometer.This is good news if it pans out That will make it about 300 baht to Patong a bit less than the normal 500/600 baht tripThough whats going to happen to the private/limos at the arrival hall ???.Be interesting to see if this works out.TUK Tuks and cabs always been a problem that needed sorting out .To many compliants from tourists and locals a like.The last metered cabs companies didn`t last very well.They were purple and yellow,still see them about with no signs on.Anybody going through the airport next week????

[Felt 35]

My better half come through the airport today and took a Taxi to Phuket town.

She paid 257 Baht shown on the meter. Plus 100 Baht surcharge, which is compulsory when the driver is registered with Phuket Int. Airport.

[niagarekoja]

My better half come through the airport today and took a Taxi to Phuket town.

She paid 257 Baht shown on the meter. Plus 100 Baht surcharge, which is compulsory when the driver is registered with Phuket Int. Airport. 

Good at least the fares are getting more sensible even with the surcharge

[SoiSniffer]

HKT to Phuket City...note city.

275 plus 100 and was there a tip? O.K. 375 Baht from HKT to Phuket City..

By my calculations the 550 baht Taxi mafia to Beach Side Patong is in line with the meter cost? Any other thoughts..

One more question?

[Tarzan2]

HKT to Phuket City...note city.

275 plus 100 and was there a tip? O.K. 375 Baht from HKT to Phuket City..

By my calculations the 550 baht Taxi mafia to Beach Side Patong is in line with the meter cost? Any other thoughts..

One more question?

Where is Phuket City? I know about Phuket Town, but never heard about City???

[niagarekoja]

Phuket Town has just recently being given City status

[Tarzan2]

Phuket Town has just recently being given City status

Ok....

So it is called Phuket City now or?

[niagarekoja]

So it is called Phuket City now or?

Yes! Its called Phuket City now.Just have to change all the signs

[jonik]

that won't be a bigger prob.....................

[LivinLOS]

You have been able to take the red / blue meters from the back of the car park for a while.. I paid sub 300 + 100 baht fee a few times to Patong, I do it on principal to encourage meter taxi use..

That said they have had a rough time over the last year or so being in and then out of the car park, only allowed X amount of cars inside at once, get constant hasle from the airport guards and limo drivers etc.. I came off a night flight recently and walked out.. the Limo driver guys were all 'where are you going ?' to get a meter.. No no they said.. been moved out again (it was dark and I could not see them over there) so I take a limo ride.. as it pulls accross to the exit I could see there were actually a bunch of them there but thier lights were off for the little hut they have.. Pissed me right off being lied to.

One time I asked if the meters would do pick ups and could I get a phone number... Sure unless you live in Patong, the tuk tuks will break our windows if we do pick ups in Patong.. Drop off they can get away with..

[Plus+]

How can I get to Kao Lak from Phuket airport? Is there any public transport/minivans? What would be a taxi fare? Are the taxis metered or the price has to be negotiated in advance? What about the surcharge? In Bkk airport you can walk out to the main road and get a taxi without any hassle or additional pay. Is it the same in Phuket, but I have to walk out of the car park, or was it just to avoid limos, LivinLos? I won't have any heavy luggage.

[RDN]

Drive to break transport ‘mafia’ launched

PHUKET: In an attempt to improve public transport on the island, Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura has announced his support for a new project aimed at putting hundreds of metered taxis on Phuket roads and launching an Airport Bus service.

On April 1, the Governor presided over the launch of the “Taxi Phuket Development Project” at Central Festival, during which he also announced the introduction of a new 52-baht minibus service between Phuket City and the airport.

The 30-seat minibus, to go into service in about three months’ time, will stop at four locations: Surakul Stadium on Wichit-Songkraam Road; Tesco-Lotus; the Heroines’ Monument and Pranangsang Temple on Thepkrasattri Rd, in Thalang.

The new taxis are station wagons with seating for seven and more luggage room than the standard metered taxis. Built by Bangkok-based car manufacturer Thairung Union Car (TUC), t he “Thairung Bangkok Limousine Express” vehicles have Isuzu 3,000cc engines and are available for purchase at 920,000 baht on a low-interest instalment plan through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME Bank).

Prospective buyers can set themselves up as taxi drivers for a down payment of 229,000 baht, paying off the balance over a five-year period at just 5% interest. No collateral is required, though buyers must have a personal guarantor.

Teerayuth Prasertphol, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Transportation Office (PPTO), told the Gazette today that the taxi fare will be 50 baht for the first two kilometers, then 7 baht per kilometer thereafter.

While this is more expensive than metered taxi fares in Bangkok, the 20km trip between Patong and Phuket City, for example, would cost 176 baht – about half what most tuk-tuks currently demand for the same journey.

K. Theerayuth added that the metered-taxi registration process takes one day and costs less than 2,000 baht.

At the launch, Gov Udomsak said he would like to see public transport in Phuket improve and provide more options for tourists.

“Currently we have only about 20 metered taxis. I would like eventually to see all black-plate [illegal] taxis become registered. We also want to add more metered taxis,” he said.

While admitting that competition for passengers between limousine and metered

taxi drivers at the airport was still a problem, he said that officials would be fair in mediating any disputes that arose from the introduction of new taxis.

“Some metered taxis in Phuket are still barred from picking up passengers at certain hotels. We would like them to be able to collect fares from anywhere on the island. It’s a necessary thing that we must do,” he said, adding that he was willing to take on “influential figures” to make it so.

Gov Udomsak encouraged tuk-tuk drivers in Patong whose vehicles were damaged by the the tsunami to switch over to metered taxis and also encouraged black-plate taxi drivers to take advantage of the SME loans and operate legally.

Virat Kulsri, Assistant Managing Director of TUC, said that more than 100 people in Phuket had already expressed interest in buying and operating the new taxis, three of which are already in service in Chiang Mai.

“I think this model is appropriate for Phuket because it can seat more passengers and luggage. The cars are efficient and safe. They run on diesel, getting about 16km per liter, and all seats are equipped with safety belts.

“Owners should be able to collect between 2,500 baht and 4,000 baht a day in fares – enough to pay off the SME loans, which work out to 477 baht per day,” he said.

Brought to you by: The Phuket Gazette

17:35 local time (GMT +7)

7th April 2005

If he manages to accomplish this one project, he will be remembered for many, many years. Hopefully, not posthumously.

[niagarekoja]

Drive to break transport ‘mafia’ launched

PHUKET: In an attempt to improve public transport on the island, Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura has announced his support for a new project aimed at putting hundreds of metered taxis on Phuket roads and launching an Airport Bus service.

On April 1, the Governor presided over the launch of the “Taxi Phuket Development Project” at Central Festival, during which he also announced the introduction of a new 52-baht minibus service between Phuket City and the airport.

The 30-seat minibus, to go into service in about three months’ time, will stop at four locations: Surakul Stadium on Wichit-Songkraam Road; Tesco-Lotus; the Heroines’ Monument and Pranangsang Temple on Thepkrasattri Rd, in Thalang.

The new taxis are station wagons with seating for seven and more luggage room than the standard metered taxis. Built by Bangkok-based car manufacturer Thairung Union Car (TUC), t he “Thairung Bangkok Limousine Express” vehicles have Isuzu 3,000cc engines and are available for purchase at 920,000 baht on a low-interest instalment plan through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME Bank).

Prospective buyers can set themselves up as taxi drivers for a down payment of 229,000 baht, paying off the balance over a five-year period at just 5% interest. No collateral is required, though buyers must have a personal guarantor.

Teerayuth Prasertphol, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Transportation Office (PPTO), told the Gazette today that the taxi fare will be 50 baht for the first two kilometers, then 7 baht per kilometer thereafter.

While this is more expensive than metered taxi fares in Bangkok, the 20km trip between Patong and Phuket City, for example, would cost 176 baht – about half what most tuk-tuks currently demand for the same journey.

K. Theerayuth added that the metered-taxi registration process takes one day and costs less than 2,000 baht.

At the launch, Gov Udomsak said he would like to see public transport in Phuket improve and provide more options for tourists.

“Currently we have only about 20 metered taxis. I would like eventually to see all black-plate [illegal] taxis become registered. We also want to add more metered taxis,” he said.

While admitting that competition for passengers between limousine and metered

taxi drivers at the airport was still a problem, he said that officials would be fair in mediating any disputes that arose from the introduction of new taxis.

“Some metered taxis in Phuket are still barred from picking up passengers at certain hotels. We would like them to be able to collect fares from anywhere on the island. It’s a necessary thing that we must do,” he said, adding that he was willing to take on “influential figures” to make it so.

Gov Udomsak encouraged tuk-tuk drivers in Patong whose vehicles were damaged by the the tsunami to switch over to metered taxis and also encouraged black-plate taxi drivers to take advantage of the SME loans and operate legally.

Virat Kulsri, Assistant Managing Director of TUC, said that more than 100 people in Phuket had already expressed interest in buying and operating the new taxis, three of which are already in service in Chiang Mai.

“I think this model is appropriate for Phuket because it can seat more passengers and luggage. The cars are efficient and safe. They run on diesel, getting about 16km per liter, and all seats are equipped with safety belts.

“Owners should be able to collect between 2,500 baht and 4,000 baht a day in fares – enough to pay off the SME loans, which work out to 477 baht per day,” he said.

Brought to you by: The Phuket Gazette

17:35 local time (GMT +7)

7th April 2005

If he manages to accomplish this one project, he will be remembered for many, many years. Hopefully, not posthumously.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well lets hope this comes to pass,but I for one will not hold my breath TIT

Edited April 7, 2005 by niagarekoja

[snamos]

Well lets hope this comes to pass,but I for one will not hold my breath TIT

Still holding.......

[LivinginKata]

Well lets hope this comes to pass,but I for one will not hold my breath TIT

Still holding.......

Not sure why snamos has to pull back a 6 year old topic. Maybe he's just bored ....

[snamos]

Well lets hope this comes to pass,but I for one will not hold my breath TIT

Still holding.......

Not sure why snamos has to pull back a 6 year old topic. Maybe he's just bored ....

correct

[surangw]

that won't be a bigger prob.....................

both of them at the same time ?

[kaptainrob]

7 years on and HKT to Patong is still 500/600 Baht. Metered cabs - turn right out the airport exit and walk 25m, are 500 Baht.

[LivinginKata]

7 years on and HKT to Patong is still 500/600 Baht. Metered cabs - turn right out the airport exit and walk 25m, are 500 Baht.

And fuel prices have more than doubled in those 7 years.

[katabeachbum]

7 years on and HKT to Patong is still 500/600 Baht. Metered cabs - turn right out the airport exit and walk 25m, are 500 Baht.

And fuel prices have more than doubled in those 7 years.

yepp, the silver limos used to have monopole, todays its oligopole with metered taxis, a decade more and free competition?

[snamos]

bring on the light rail.....funnily enough there was a post about the light rail from 7 years ago....I think it might have even been on the same page as where i dragged this one up from....between pages 218 and the last page

[katabeachbum]

bring on the light rail.....funnily enough there was a post about the light rail from 7 years ago....I think it might have even been on the same page as where i dragged this one up from....between pages 218 and the last page

have a bus leave airport every 30 minutes or more frequent

one for Patong, Surin, Kamala

one for Karon, Kata, Rawai, Nai Harn, town

Low investment, low environmental impact, reduces need of local transport

Less environmental impact, establish CNG pumps near airport for busses and taxis

[seriouseats]

There's a new CNG pump close to mission hospital..

From my advanced math calculation, you will need to wait only 17year and 3months before they get within 8km from the airport

[katabeachbum]

There's a new CNG pump close to mission hospital..

From my advanced math calculation, you will need to wait only 17year and 3months before they get within 8km from the airport

or is that another LPG pump (Liquid Petroleum Gas)?

NGV (Natural Gas Vehicles) running CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is something totally different, and as far as I know not yet available at the Andaman coast. Suratani and Chumporn nearest pumps I have seen, and according to Ptt NGV last time I checked

but running diesel busses on LPG mix is much cleaner than diesel only, so its a good start

[snamos]

People in phuket will regret not putting trains in....just look at BKK, I bet looking back 30 years ago they regret not putting trains in, Singapore is similar size to phuket and the public transport is great there.

Rail is also good for freight too...keeps the trucks off the roads

[katabeachbum]

People in phuket will regret not putting trains in....just look at BKK, I bet looking back 30 years ago they regret not putting trains in, Singapore is similar size to phuket and the public transport is great there.

Rail is also good for freight too...keeps the trucks off the roads

Train is great, if there is an existing clean meter taxi solution present. Today there is not in Phuket.

I would start with busses, actually competing with taxis/limo/tuk tuk, clean up tuk tuks and taxis, and then think about train and the investment to make it happen

KL low cost airport works just fine without trains, busses every 10-30 minutes

[seriouseats]

It says CNG and is still under construction.

but seriously theres a 30% chance this is from a vivid dream i might of had and am getting confused with lol.

[falkan]

I just came in from the airport, Meter taxis refuse to use meters, 500tbh to chalong was the price was, managed to negotiate down to 450tbh, those who worked in the office refused to send any taxi driver away on meter..&lt;deleted&gt;!!

[keestha]

How can I get to Kao Lak from Phuket airport? Is there any public transport/minivans? What would be a taxi fare? Are the taxis metered or the price has to be negotiated in advance? What about the surcharge? In Bkk airport you can walk out to the main road and get a taxi without any hassle or additional pay. Is it the same in Phuket, but I have to walk out of the car park, or was it just to avoid limos, LivinLos? I won't have any heavy luggage.

There is no public transport from the airport to Khao Lak.

Haggle with the taxidrivers just outside the arrival hall, don't pay more than 1200 Baht, and if you have good bargaining skills you might get it for as low as 1000 Baht. Don't use the taxi counter in the arrival hall.

If you are travelling light and on a tight budget, you could also take a taxi, or a tuktuk passing by on the public road to the highway (5 KM from the airport) and wait for a Khao Lak/Takua Pa bound bus there.

Edit: Jeez, dementia must be setting in early, I notice only now that I am replying to a 6 years old post. I hope the person I am replying to doesn't have to worry about taxi prices anymore, and hands out generous tips.

Edited June 26, 2011 by keestha

[seriouseats]

I just came in from the airport, Meter taxis refuse to use meters, 500tbh to chalong was the price was, managed to negotiate down to 450tbh, those who worked in the office refused to send any taxi driver away on meter..&lt;deleted&gt;!!

450b might be cheaper than the meter