Airport-to-Patong speedboat shuttle service passes EIA

[snoop1130]

Airport-to-Patong speedboat shuttle service passes EIA
Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- The proposed project to offer a speedboat shuttle service from Phuket International Airport to Patong has passed the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), confirmed the governor today.

“We are glad to have the support of the central government for the ‘From the Boat to the Plane’ project,” said Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. “It’s an excellent idea as an alternative transport solution for tourists.”

In November last year, a 25-million-baht budget was approved for the Phuket International Airport pier project, which will allow tourists to take boats along the west coast to Patong. The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week.

Full Story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/AirporttoPatong-speedboat-shuttle-service-passes-EIA/63303?desktopversion

-- Phuket Gazette 2016-03-02

[LivinginKata]

Complete nonsense. A rail or tram system would be much more practical.

And this gem - "The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week."

I wonder how much Phuripat planned to 'take' from this nonsense project ...

[Pinot]

Yeah, does anyone else think this is absolutely ridiculous?

Screw the rail system, that's a generation away. How about a public bus system, oh that's right the taxi mafia wouldn't like that.

Just silly.

[tirekicker]

Speedboat + Thai Captain = problems ahead !

[Goldieinkathu]

At first I thought it was ridiculous but then I wondered if a large Hydrofoil would be a good idea. If it could hold 100- 150 people then it could work, speed boats going up and down the coast would be totally stupid.As it is something has to be done, the number of coaches and minibuses has just gotten out of hand and the pollution they spew out is a health hazard.

A rail or tram system would be better but would take time. With numbers increasing all the time I think they are looking for a quick solution.

[2fishin2]

I dont see any problem with it. Cut down on road congestion and quicker for the tourist. Win, win for everybody

[madmitch]

Complete nonsense. A rail or tram system would be much more practical.

And this gem - "The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week."

I wonder how much Phuripat planned to 'take' from this nonsense project ...

Not sure I agree with you on this one. Why not have an alternative. It won't be expensive to build a couple of piers in comparison to the light rail system and provided they use the right type of vessel I don't see why it couldn't be a viable alternative to the current options. Tuktuks would meet the ferry in Patong so they'll get their piece of the action as well.

Unfortunately a railway or tram system on the west coast isn't viable due to the hills.

Can't see it getting as far as Karon and Kata for a while as their tuktuk mafia co-operative really is till in the dark ages.

[Old Croc]

I've always thought this could be a viable option. Airport to hotel boats work well in The Maldives!

Of course weather conditions, particularly in the monsoon season, would cause it to close at times, but on a beautiful calm day it could be a great introduction to Phuket for many tourists.

A protected pier could be easily built near the airport and small boats ferry passengers from cruise ships to shore in Patong bay now, it wouldn't be too hard to organize.

[WhizBang]

If they actually mean 'Speedboats', then it is a very dumb idea. Especially given the calibre of speedboat drivers. But, if they should actually mean large capicity ferries, that are professionally run and operated, it could be a great idea.

Unfortunately, since this is Thailand, I suspect they mean real speedboats.

[Reigntax]

If they actually mean 'Speedboats', then it is a very dumb idea. Especially given the calibre of speedboat drivers. But, if they should actually mean large capicity ferries, that are professionally run and operated, it could be a great idea.

Unfortunately, since this is Thailand, I suspect they mean real speedboats.

Hopefully they carve up a few jet skis on each trip.

[Reigntax]

The proposal has passed the EIA stage. Exploit International Arrivals.

Or exterminate a few!

Edited March 2, 2016 by Reigntax

[Valentine]

Getting to the boat with your luggage then being met by a gathering of tuk tuks at the other end eagerly waiting to transport you to your hotel in a friendly & cost efficient service. Wonderful way to start a holiday after a long journey.

[sebastion]

It would be only useful 4 or 5 months a year.

The rest of the year its basically too dangerous and rough ride to Patong.

Pure genius idea.

[LivinginKata]

Complete nonsense. A rail or tram system would be much more practical.

And this gem - "The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week."

I wonder how much Phuripat planned to 'take' from this nonsense project ...

Not sure I agree with you on this one. Why not have an alternative. It won't be expensive to build a couple of piers in comparison to the light rail system and provided they use the right type of vessel I don't see why it couldn't be a viable alternative to the current options. Tuktuks would meet the ferry in Patong so they'll get their piece of the action as well.

Unfortunately a railway or tram system on the west coast isn't viable due to the hills.

Can't see it getting as far as Karon and Kata for a while as their tuktuk mafia co-operative really is till in the dark ages.

My nonsense opinion was really based on weather/sea state considerations. Fast boats would not be able to operate many days of the year. Slow boats able to handle bad weather would take hours to get to Patong and everyone onboard would be throwing up.

[DrDave]

Getting to the boat with your luggage then being met by a gathering of tuk tuks at the other end eagerly waiting to transport you to your hotel in a friendly & cost efficient service. Wonderful way to start a holiday after a long journey.

I was thinking the same thing.

Imagine a 100+ passenger hydrofoil (as suggested in another post) arriving at the pontoon pier at the southern end of Patong Beach, with a queue of waiting tuk tuks. "What hotel? OK, I take you, 300 baht".

I doubt the tuk tuk mafia would allow hotel songtaews to collect or drop off passengers at the pier.

[Shot]

Something like this would work in most conditions and is currently being used in Thailand. Luggage would be a b!tch.

[stevenl]

Something like this would work in most conditions and is currently being used in Thailand. Luggage would be a b!tch.

Sheltered off loading in Patong will also half of the year not be possible.

[madmitch]

If you read the entire article, the Governor accepts that the trip will only be possible for half the year, but these months do happen to coincide with high season.

Where's our resident transport expert, NKM? Unusual to have a transport related thread without his input.

[monkey4u]

Gilligan's island springs to mind when I read this

[Soupdragon]

Hovercraft would work

[bearpolar]

wasnt there a gov bus service airport to somewhere south that passed every 30mins 3-4 years ago?

I used to see their bus all the time.

[LivinginKata]

wasnt there a gov bus service airport to somewhere south that passed every 30mins 3-4 years ago?

I used to see their bus all the time.

No gov bus. 2 private bus companies run to Phuket Town and to Patong (supposed to be to Kata). For sure the Phuket Town bus is still running. Not so sure about the Patong service.

Tourists arriving ask for the public bus service, everyone tells them 'no have'. Poorly sign posted. Public bus has no chance of success.

Edited March 3, 2016 by LivinginKata

[gerry1011]

Great idea.

It would be even better if the pier could accommodate private yachts to pick up their guests (at a fee, of course).

[dageurreotype]

So you've just arrived off of a 12 hour or more flight from Europe/US, usually when it's dark and the first thing the idiot Thais want to do is line you up for a stomach turning (particularly during 'low season') speed boat trip to your hotel in this wonderful World Class holiday Destination, rather than taking on the thugs who control all the transport here. Well done. You must be so proud.

[Autonuaq]

Complete nonsense. A rail or tram system would be much more practical.

And this gem - "The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week."

I wonder how much Phuripat planned to 'take' from this nonsense project ...

there are more places i the world where they have a speed boat service to support the move of people.

and for Phuket this can be a (temporary)solution to of load the traffic on land till better is possible.

[Ulic]

I just can't see this as a financially viable transportation system. It will be expensive,

and underutilized. If you walk out the airport door walk to the taxi stand you do get

door to door service for a very reasonable fixed rate. I have used it dozens of times.

Less than half the price of the shills at the arrivals gate. With this system you will be

at the mercy of the Patong tuk tuk mafia when you arrive at the yet to be built Patong

pier. It will cost double the shill rate to get from the airport to your hotel and four times

the taxi stand rate. It is ridiculous.

[ozyjon]

Speedboat + Thai Captain = problems ahead !

Remember that song,,,,

don't pay the ferryman,, don't even set a price

don't pay the ferryman,, until he gets you to the other side

He's waiting for you

[2fishin2]

This type of service happens everyday in Thailand. How do you think tourists get to islands all over the world to include Thailand, spaceships? Its a very viable solution. People complain everyday about traffic and congestion on Phuket. This is a way to help with that congestion. Some of you people need to think before you start pounding your keyboard

[bearpolar]

Complete nonsense. A rail or tram system would be much more practical.

And this gem - "The budget for the project was tabled in 2013 by then-Phuket Marine Office Chief Phuripat Theerakulpisut. Mr Phuripat was transferred off the island to Nonthaburi Province last week."

I wonder how much Phuripat planned to 'take' from this nonsense project ...

there are more places i the world where they have a speed boat service to support the move of people.

and for Phuket this can be a (temporary)solution to of load the traffic on land till better is possible.

"traffic"

Earlier today, on the radio they said "its a special day, no traffic"

There was no traffic cops.

[Pakaty]

Life jackets will be mandatory but not provided.