“We have not yet received written confirmation that the drivers agree to all terms, but verbal feedback from the drivers has been very good,” said Somsak Potneungnong, an adviser at the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO).
“Also, some of them have already had their tuk-tuks repainted in red and yellow, as required under the project,” he added.
The move to create a “baht bus”, similar to the service that has become famous in Pattaya, follows 87 illegal drivers, all members of the PTCC, being turfed off their patch at the main bus terminal on Thepkrasattri Road.
In resolving the ensuing mob action, Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong called on the PLTO to draw up plans to bring the illegal drivers into the fold and provide a valuable service to commuters in Phuket Town. (See story here.)
However, the route and the minimum fares have yet to be agreed to, Mr Somsak noted.
“But it could be as cheap as B20,” he told The Phuket News.
Mr Somsak added that the original requirement still stands that the tuk-tuk drivers will not be permitted to deliver or pick up passengers to or from areas outside of Phuket Town.
“The exact rules have not been laid down, but once agreement has been reached, we will inform Phuket City Police to allow these drivers provide the service,” he said.
“We hope to reach agreement sometime this month,” he said.
PTCC President Daroon Suksai told The Phuket News on Wednesday that his drivers, in principle, were willing to step up and provide the service – but said that ‘speed bumps’ in getting the drivers and tuk-tuks ready may delay the full service from hitting the streets as quickly as many hope for.
“We are not ready to drive yet. All the tuk-tuks must be Suzukis, which means some drivers have to sell their current tuk-tuks and refinance loans to buy new cars,” Mr Daroon said.
“This is causing financial difficulties for some drivers, but we are in talks with banks to see what can be done about this to make it easier for them.”
The club currently has only 10 vehicles ready to provide the service, Mr Daroon noted.
“Also, all drivers must be legally registered with the PLTO and be issued the appropriate licenses and permits in order to provide the service. This is still being done.” he said.
Mr Daroon remains apprehensive about what the final terms offered will be, but remains positive the outcome will benefit everyone.
“I hope that we get a fair offer to drive in Phuket. If we don’t, some drivers might back out of the deal,” he said.
“But I personally would like to see Phuket have a good public transport service.”