New Phuket bus routes proposed
PHUKET: Phuket needs good public transportation to prevent tourists from being cheated by high fares charged by private taxis and tuk-tuks, Teerayoot Prasertphol, Director of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO), said during a recent meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall.
Friday 16 September 2011, 05:39PM
He suggested that new public bus routes be established from Phuket International Airport (Airport) to the west coast and the south of the island.
Currently, there is only one airport bus service – a privately-owned service that runs from the airport to the bus station in Phuket Town.
Mr Teerayoot said three more routes are needed: From the airport via Kamala to Patong, another via Patong and Karon to Kata, and a third via Chalong to Rawai.
“This will help save tourists from having to pay unreasonably high fares,” he said.
He did acknowledge, however, that there might be some difficulties.
“Introducing public transportation may give the Phuket authorities problems with local taxis and tuk-tuks, as it will affect their incomes,” he said.
The idea of setting up public transport services is still in its infancy. Before a formal proposal can be written, there will be more discussions between the PLTO, the OrBorJor and relevant officials.
