Vice Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada and Chief of the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO), Teerayut Prasertphol said that though the airport bus would first go only as far as Patong, the plan was still for it to run all the way to Karon and then Kata.
Taxi drivers in both those towns have said – quite vehemently – that they will block any attempt to drive the bus into their territory.
The meeting was told that if the airport to Patong route is successful, then other routes will be opened up.
As for where exactly the bus will stop in Patong, Mr Teerayut told The Phuket News, “There is already a designated bus stop area in Patong, in front of Banzaan Market [on Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd, close to Jungceylon].
“But the location of the airport bus stop is not yet confirmed. I have to discuss this with Airport Director Pratueng Sornkham.
“That bus stop should be close to the main entrance and exit, so that passengers can leave and board the bus conveniently.”
Addressing concerns that taxi drivers may cause trouble, he said, “I believe that Patong Mayor Pian Keesin has already talked with the Patong taxi drivers, and there will be no problems when the bus service launches.
“Whatever happens, this bus service has to happen. It will be ready to begin on July 1.”
It is not yet clear just how the bus will reach Banzaan Market. Much of Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd is currently dug up, and will remain that way until construction is completed in December.