BANGKOK, 1 October 2014 The Transport Ministry has urged taxi operators to comply with the standard of services set by the ministry, while it considers a taxi fare increase.
Taxi operators are asked to maintain their car in good condition within 30 days, starting from October 5. The move will include upgrading services offered by drivers and improving the cleanliness of the vehicle. Once taxis in Thailand can meet the standards outlined by the ministry, a review of a fare hike will then be conducted.
Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong said earlier that although the ministry has yet to reach a decision on whether it will approve the taxi fare increase, a fare hike is very likely given the current level of living expenses.
Earlier, taxi operators had submitted a petition requesting a fare increase, after LPG and NGV fuel prices in the transport sector are slated to go up next month. They said the starting rate of taxi fares have been capped at 35 baht for the first three kilometers for a decade even though LPG prices were adjusted upwards several times.
The call includes 20% increase in taxi fare in accordance with distance, extension of service years for taxis from 9 to 12 years, and a tax exemption for cars that are to be registered as taxis.
