Phuket taxis ask for new rank in Rawai

[snoop1130]

Phuket taxis ask for new rank in Rawai

The Phuket News

Pakbang Beach, to the west of Rawai Beach, has grown over the years, prompting taxi drivers to apply to serve the area. Photo: Google Maps

PHUKET: -- Taxi drivers in Phukets southern Rawai area have applied to have a new taxi rank set up at Pakbang Beach, Rawai Municipality revealed today (July 4).

The proposal was floated at the Rawai Municipality council meeting on Friday, Rawai Deputy Mayor Phisit Paphakityotphat told The Phuket News.

Rawai already has about 10 taxi ranks throughout the area, and now local taxi drivers are asking permission to set up a new one at Pakbang Beach, he said.

Pakbang Beach, to the west of Rawai Beach, has grown over the years and drivers are constantly asked to serve tourists travelling to and from there, he added.

Full Story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-taxis-ask-for-new-rank-in-rawai-58122.php#08BHkyhMIzchwR5c.97

-- Phuket News 2016-07-04

[NamKangMan]

How many parking spaces will they take????

[Jimi007]

How many parking spaces will they take????

There isn't much parking other than at the boat ramp end, further west. There is already a taxi stand at the southeastern end, near the main road. Just what we don't need, more taxi guys hanging out on public land. I thought the new government already had torn down some taxi rank stands, but they just build them again and want more? There are only a few restaurants there, why would it need a new taxi rank? It seems like Phuket in general needs to reign in these guys, reduce the fares to equal Bangkok and make them all use meters. Like that will ever happen now that they seem to do whatever they like.

[DrDave]

The interesting thing about taxi ranks in Phuket is that according to a former Phuket Land Transport Office official, many are controlled (mafia-style) by single individuals who charge "member" taxi drivers exorbitant fees for the privilege of using the rank. The fee mentioned in the article I read was as high as half a million baht. Keep in mind that taxi ranks are typically located on public property.

[dageurreotype]

These bastards are out of control in Rawai. No motosais are allowed to even drive through there any more, forcing people to either rent a stratospherically priced 'limo', wait an hour or more for a tiny chicken 'bus', which also magically converts to a 'taxi' service in the afternoon or walk. Proof of their at least as being as bad as Patong is further given weight by the recent video of them attacking a minibus driver. I think we can all guess where the money's going, given this particular OBJ, and shame on the junta for their half arsed attempt at introducing a public transport system on this 'International World Holiday Destination' island and buggering back off to Bangkok leaving it worse than it already was after having further emboldened the taxi thugs 'well we saw off the army'. Well done.

[arithai12]

There are some (at least 2 I know of) taxi stands in Rawai Beach already... but who uses them? Usually neither the tourists nor the locals go short distances by taxi.

Taxis are used mainly to go the airport, and that is something you want to book at least 1 day in advance. And the price at the stand is the same as booking from a shop.

Those taxi stands are mainly an area where to park and doze off while waiting for the next call.

Now, if there were minivans from the airport to Rawai Beach, that would be new and good.

[steelepulse]

More stands equals more piles of cash going uphill. Who cares if people use them or not? By paying these "fees" these louts are given reign over public property and laze about all day waiting for their turn at the head of the queue. We definitely don't need any more layabouts in Rawai that moonlight as taxis when they're not hanging out with their mates looking quite slovenly for the most part.

[Psimbo]

How many parking spaces will they take????

More than a Baht Bus!

[NamKangMan]

How many parking spaces will they take????

More than a Baht Bus!

And I'm sure they will charge at least 200 times more than a baht bus.