Loei launches metered taxi service for the first time

LOEI, 10 July 2014 (NNT) - Loei province has started operating a metered taxi service to cater to tourists in the province, while issuing reassurances of safe service with legal taxi fares, in line with the Department of Land Transport's rules and regulations.

Loei Governor Wiroj Jiwarangsan, the Loei Chamber of Commerce committee, and executives of Loei Taxi 2014 Co. jointly held a press conference to announce the beginning of the first metered taxi service in the province.

According to Mr. Vasan Kaewsiribundit, Director of Loei Chamber of Commerce, seven agencies from the private sector including the Chamber of Commerce, the Traders' Association, the Sawangkeelee Foundation, the Federation of Thai Industries Loei Chapter, the Lions Club, the Rotary Club and Loei Tourism Business Association have co-established the Loei Taxi 2014 Co., operating a metered taxi service for all customers in the province.

The first taxis in service consist of fifteen standard metered cars which will be operated under the Department of Land Transport's regulations. The taxis are equipped with a meter, taxi radio and taxi fare rate sign.

In addition, taxi drivers need to be registered and trained in manners and language skills prior to taking on the job. Customers who wish to use the Loei taxi service can call 042-844556-7 to make a booking.

The Loei Governor added that as Loei is a popular tourist destination, a taxi service will facilitate the movements of travelers especially while coming from the airport or bus terminal to tourist attractions, and for sightseeing within the province.

There are existing daily flights to Loei, and an international bus service from Loei to Luang Prabang in Laos PDR.


-- NNT 2014-07-10

The meters will rarely be used.... This is a 'tourist' service remember.

Yes, this was also tried in Pattaya and failed miserably. They simply refuse to turn on meters.

Wait and see boys. There are only tuk-tuks here now. Could be a very good thing!

welcome to the second decade of the 21st century

Im more interested in the international bus service from Loei to Luang Prabang in Laos. Sounds like a possibly good way to turn a visa run into a short holiday: Anyone used it? How long does it take? Is it a decent Thai bus or Laos bone shaker? Im thinking: From Udon Thani to Loei to Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng to Vientianne to Udon Thani. Ironically, the only one I havent visited before is Loei.

welcome to the second decade of the 21st century

Maybe but many cities in Thailand do not have an effective ubiquitous metered cab service, including Pattaya and Chiang Mai, so Loei is not a million miles behind the curve on this

Ubon Ratchatani introduced a small number of metered cabs on a central dial up facility about three years ago. It took off and is now a ubiquitously available and excellent service - not quite as cheap as Bangkok but good value and nothing like the Phuket experience. There is no problem with drivers refusing to use the meters of which I am aware.

So take those cynical caps off some of you posters. Thailand can sometimes do things right!