The announcement was made by Governor Nisit Jansomwong, who has long backed a plan to bring the app to Phuket, at a meeting held today (July 6) to give an update about Phuket̕s public transportation projects.
“Following a visit by GrabTaxi representatives to Phuket on Friday (July 3), next Tuesday the land transport office will provide education to those taxi drivers who are interested in joining the GrabTaxi service.
“We do not intend to increase the number of taxis in Phuket just give the taxi drivers already here the opportunity to work via the application.
“Introducing the application will also make it easier for the public to access the taxi service”, said Gov Nisit.
“Ambassadors from many countries often ask me about Phuket̕s public transportation and I think now is the right time to manage the taxis on the island,” he added.
However, those in attendance at today̕s meeting accepted that there must be a meeting among all Phuket taxi operators including green plates, metered taxis and those who want to join GrabTaxi.
“There could be possible problems when a taxi is called by the application to places that are covered by green plate taxis and we have to make understanding among them,” said Gov Nisit.
Meanwhile, it was also announced at the meeting that the 87 tuk-tuks which are to be introduced to Phuket Town are nearly ready to roll out.
The tuk-tuks previously run around the beach areas, hoewever, they done so without a permit. Therefore, the land transport office decided to grant them permits and bring them to an area which lacks public transport. (See story here)
“These tuk-tuks will only run in the Phuket Town and Old Town areas. Their boudary will be bypass road and Kwang Rd on Chao Fa West.
“These tuk-tuks will be part of a cooperative and the car and its licence will belong to the cooperative. Therefore, if someone stops working the vehicle and licence will be returned to the group. This will help cut problems where an individual gets a licence, makes their money and then sells the licence to other illegal drivers.
“The tuk-tuks will be painted yellow and red and there will be a flat rate fee of B30, concluded the Governor.
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