Taxi fares poised to be raised by December: Thailand

[webfact]

Taxi fares poised to be raised by December

BANGKOK, 7 October 2014 (NNT) - Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong revealed that the ministry is set to adjust the taxi fare system by the end of this week.

ACM Prajin has also invited taxi operators to a meeting in order to create understanding and reach mutual agreement about the new fare rates, which is expected to be applied by December of this year.

He said that should the taxi operators accept the condition to improve the quality of service, it would take the ministry approximately 45 days to inspect every taxi vehicle in service.

ACM Prajin stated that the fares would be priced more relatively according to the distance and to help taxi operators earn an income of more than 300 baht per day.

Taxi drivers will be also required to improve their driving etiquette in order to meet the safety standards and ensure that their vehicles are clean enough for servicing passengers as well. If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Mr. Akom Termpittayapaisit declared that a new meter system would also be put in place based on four factors.

Those factors include the cost of capital for taxi operators, taxi drivers’ income levels, consumer expenses, and quality of service.


-- NNT 2014-10-07

[JetsetBkk]

Hey guys! Come to Phuket. You can earn a small fortune down here!

[Mango Bob]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

[jabis]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

I guess it was a remnant of the taxi "strike" for demanding the raise in fares. It's at least been reported to some extent.

[Cheops]

Taxi services poised to be improved by ...... never?

Yes, in some areas and about 75% of the drivers are ok to good, but the remaining are bad to very bad. Try to get a ride in the rain with 2 young kids. Impossible! Rude behavior, not taking passengers etc. etc. As said 75% is ok, but 25% of the total of thousands of taxis makes a lot of bad taxis!

[realenglish1]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

Next time get their taxi driver number and report them They will be fined for it

[GAZZPA]

This should be done hand in hand with a severe penalty for taxis that refuse to accept all fares AND use the meter. At the moment so many taxis simply demand a flat rate without the clock that changing the official meter charge won't make a huge difference.

The only excuse I ever get from taxi drivers when they demand that common 200 baht baht rate is "many traffic,, many traffic". Dohh,, what do the expect, they are taxi drivers in one of the major capital cities in the World.. if they don't like driving in traffic and if it effects their income that much then get another job.

[bkkcanuck8]

This should be done hand in hand with a severe penalty for taxis that refuse to accept all fares AND use the meter. At the moment so many taxis simply demand a flat rate without the clock that changing the official meter charge won't make a huge difference.

The only excuse I ever get from taxi drivers when they demand that common 200 baht baht rate is "many traffic,, many traffic". Dohh,, what do the expect, they are taxi drivers in one of the major capital cities in the World.. if they don't like driving in traffic and if it effects their income that much then get another job.

I don't personally want to enslave the drivers to take passengers that they don't want or go where they don't want - I just wait and flag down the next one or the one after that. However, anyone not using the meter (or pepping up the meter) should lose their taxi license. It is insane that the taxi fares have not been adjusted for 8+ years while the rate of inflation of living /driving in Bangkok has gone up drastically. Fares should be scheduled to be adjusted every 2 years based on an inflation index tied to costs in Bangkok. Taxis should also required to undergo safety checks every year.

[weka]

Back seat seatbelts should be included on the magic sticker

[zydeco]

There is going to be a "special" official meter rate for Farangs. Just watch.

[zydeco]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

Hey Mango, those central Bangkok taxi drivers are pro Red Shirt. Your people. Just trying to get a fair share like YL promised them. You should be happy.

[l3fty]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

And that's when you pull out your phone take a photo of their taxi with their ID number, report it and they get slapped with a 1,000 baht fine.

[Bluespunk]

"If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles."

And if they fail?

[bkkcanuck8]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

And that's when you pull out your phone take a photo of their taxi with their ID number, report it and they get slapped with a 1,000 baht fine.

And you may very well end up in the hospital if you are lucky (dead if unlucky).... a threat to their livelihood could evoke a response you are not prepared for -- like having the s*** kicked out of you by a small mob of taxi drivers or mafia.

[bkkcanuck8]

"If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles."

And if they fail?

Then the car is impounded until repairs are made to bring it up to safety standards (i.e. loss of license plates, suspension of taxi license).

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

All for giving them a livable wage. The rates haven't gone up in the 12 years I have been here but everything else has gone up. Go ahead with a fair increase but I would like to see them enforce the meters again with a proper complaint line that is also in English and is actually enforced. Drivers should not be allowed to refuse to take you where you want to go either.

Tried to go to immigration in Chaengwattana this morning, was willing to pay for tollway (which is very close) asked 10 taxi's and they all refused. Had to take BTS to Mo Chit then get a taxi from there.

If you want to get paid then do the work!

[webfact]

TAXI
New system for taxi fare to be discussed with drivers

BANGKOK: -- Transport Minister Prajin Juntong revealed Tuesday that the ministry will set the new taxi fare system by the end of this week.

He has also invited taxi operators to a meeting in order to create understanding and reach mutual agreement about the new fare rates, which are expected to be applied by December.

He said that assuming the taxi operators accepted the conditions to improve the quality of service, the ministry would need approximately 45 days to inspect every vehicle in service. ACM Prajin stated that the fares would be priced more relatively based on distance and help taxi operators earn more than Bt300 per day.

Taxi drivers will be required to improve their driving etiquette in order to meet the safety standards and ensure that their vehicles are clean enough for servicing passengers as well. If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles.

Meanwhile, Deputy Transport Minister Akom Termpittayapaisit declared that a new meter system would also be put in place based on four factors. Those factors include the cost of capital for taxi operators, taxi drivers' income levels, consumer expenses, and quality of service.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/New-system-for-taxi-fare-to-be-discussed-with-driv-30244928.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-07

[Virt]

I think the transport minister should visit Koh Samui and see if their meters are working because no one turn them on.

Crazy flat rate prices the taxis on Koh Samui are demanding.

400 Bath for a 5 minute drive from the Airport to Chaweng.

I would be more than happy to use a lot more taxis on Koh Samui if they started using their meters, and i'm quite sure they would make more pr day because of more customers, but that off course would mean they had to work for a living instead of sitting on a bench all day long screaming taxi taxi at everyone walking by.

Love Thailand and next trip is planned and paid for, but some things could be improved and they could start with forcing all taxidrivers to use their meters,.

[FangFerang]

Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

Hey Mango, those central Bangkok taxi drivers are pro Red Shirt. Your people. Just trying to get a fair share like YL promised them. You should be happy.

Your people. Uh, this is Thailand. Thais aren't named Bob, zydeco, or discoduck or anything like that.

You still have Yingluk brain syndrome -- without Yingluk to whinge about your keyboard consciousness has no brain.

[gchurch259]

I have never given a Taxi Driver less that 100THB, but if they ask for 100 before I get in the taxi, I tell them to bug off and try not to slam the door.

I understand some of the drivers pay 600THB a day to rent their taxi, do not know if true. Actually starting at 35THB on the meter is a good deal try a taxi in NYC, Tokyo or Washington.

I do not like a dirty taxi or one with the loud muffler. When I was a kid I liked the Glass Packs we had, nice low rumble !!

Edited October 7, 2014 by gchurch259

[sawati]

"If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles."

And if they fail?

Then the car is impounded until repairs are made to bring it up to safety standards (i.e. loss of license plates, suspension of taxi license).

Keep dreaming!

[Mango Bob]

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Sunday at mbk they refused to pick up people unless they pay a flat rate. They wanted 200 baht for a trip that cost me 68 baht. To hell given them a raise. It seems to be getting worst and worst. Even when they get a pay rate they will continue doing the same crap.

Hey Mango, those central Bangkok taxi drivers are pro Red Shirt. Your people. Just trying to get a fair share like YL promised them. You should be happy.

That was really a stupid remark to make.

[stoli]

This will only work if they enforce the meters, which they don't seem to do. I was in Bangkok for the weekend. Not one cab would use the meter, until I was leaving town. The hotel called a cab for me on the condition that they use their meter, and the driver was excellent. I don't mind giving a nice tip, I just don't want it demanded before the trip. Seems reasonable. doesn't it? I hate the flat rates.

[thrilled]

Compared to many cities in the world ,with Bangkok taxi's starting at 35 baht it's really cheap.Whats that $1.10 We are getting A huge discount.I believe the meter needs to go faster than it does during traffic jams.I mean no wonder the taxi driver doesn't want to except A fair during rush hour when it's raining.

I feel for them.They are only trying to make A living and take care of their family.Im all for higher taxi rates.

If Ya don't like it take the BTS.

[bapoboy]

Back seat seatbelts should be included on the magic sticker

you are welcome back to your nannystate paradise if you dont like thailand

[bapoboy]

i never have any problem with taxi in bangkok, i took taxi alot off times, 95% off the taxis i take use the meter, only place i have trouble with taxi was in kuala lumpur where they neve never never use the meter, they will rip you off. Bangkok taxi is good.

[mrtoad]

There are some really good taxi drivers out there, so I'm not going tar them all with the same brush because if the knobs that refuse fares, or try and get flat rates. The 35 baht IMO us to low, and should be raised, I had this discussion with a driver on Saturday. Realistically 50 or 55 would be a fair starting point.

[smotherb]

"If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles."

And if they fail?

According to our magnificent band of NES teachers, nobody fails a test in Thailand.

[zydeco]

i never have any problem with taxi in bangkok, i took taxi alot off times, 95% off the taxis i take use the meter, only place i have trouble with taxi was in kuala lumpur where they neve never never use the meter, they will rip you off. Bangkok taxi is good.

In KL you are supposed to negotiate the price with taxi drivers BEFORE you get in the cab.

[Bluespunk]

"If they pass the inspection test, then a sticker will be issued and placed on their vehicles."

And if they fail?

Then the car is impounded until repairs are made to bring it up to safety standards (i.e. loss of license plates, suspension of taxi license).

Where does it say that in the story?

Ah, wait, sarcasm radar just kicked in.

Got it.

Edited October 7, 2014 by Bluespunk