PLTO Chief Adcha Buachan said that regular checks of motorcycle taxi services have shown strong cooperation from drivers, who continue to maintain existing fare rates despite the recent hike in fuel prices.
The inspections are part of efforts to regulate public transport services and ensure fairness, particularly during periods of economic pressure, he said.
Mr Adcha said officials have received no reports of overcharging, and both motorcycle taxi and public bus operators have adhered to the official fare structure.
“Drivers have continued to follow the set rates, and we have not received any complaints from passengers,” he said.
Mr Adcha said that the PLTO will continue to closely monitor motorcycle taxi stands across the province. He warned that any violations, including fare overcharging, would result in immediate legal action in order to protect passengers.
Motorcycle taxi drivers themselves said the increase in fuel prices has not yet impacted their services. While some fuel types, particularly Gasohol 95, have occasionally been in short supply at certain stations, drivers noted that fuel remains generally available and there is no widespread shortage affecting operations, said an official report of Phuket’s fuel situation.
Drivers added that any decision to adjust fares depends on guidance from the PLTO. In many cases, they said, there has been flexibility in pricing, with some drivers even lowering fares to help ease the burden on passengers amid the rising cost of living, teh report added.
At Phuket Provincial Bus Terminal 2, about 90 registered motorcycle taxi drivers are currently in operation. All are licensed and subject to strict oversight by the PLTO to ensure safety standards and fair pricing for both residents and tourists, the report concluded.