The minister explained passengers were still complaining taxi-drivers were not turning on their meters for journeys and also refusing to go to locations they did not want to. He continued by saying these were issues that needed addressing before any increase in fares would be given the green light.
The five per cent increase in question would have seen fares rise by THB0.50 for each kilometre travelled in Bangkok. It was the second phase of a 13 per cent rise agreed two years ago. Fares have already gone up by eight per cent.
An anonymous source at the Land Transport Department says officials are considering amending laws regarding taxi services. Wayward taxi-drivers could face a THB10,000 penalty for refusing to either turn on their meters or go to the passengers’ requested destinations.
Thai Transport Ministry blocks hike for Bangkok taxi fares
News in Asia
Thailand’s transport-minister has put a hold on a planned increase in the fares for taxi journeys in Bangkok. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told reporters that cabbies in Bangkok had not mended their ways and it was more urgent to find a means of ensuring they offered good customer service.