BANGKOK, 27 March 2012 – After many public transport operators have requested the Transport Ministry to allow them to increase their fares, the Ministry has promised to decide on the issue soon.
As energy prices soar, several taxi cooperatives have proposed a new fare adjustment to the Transport Ministry. Under the plan, the initial rate would remain at 35 baht. The rate will be increased by 12 per cent for the next 1-50 kilometers, by 8 percent from the 51-150 kilometers; from the 151st kilometer onwards, the price will be lifted by 15 percent.
The taxi cooperatives will also requested that the number of taxis be reduced from 75,000 down to 50-60,000, and that the Ministry help support the development of Thai taxis in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
Meanwhile, public bus operators, including the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), minibus, and private bus operators have talked to Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan about the adverse effects of the diesel price, which is now above 30 baht/ liter.
Mr Chatchart said the bus operators have also faced with the problems of unlicensed operators and travel fees, for which the Ministry has to find a solution.
