Following complaints about haphazard driving and parking by commercial operators at Bali Hai Pier, officials met at city hall where plans were made for dedicated parking areas for taxis and expansion of the access roads leading into and out of the jetty. More parking also is planned with the lots expected to be completed this month. (Photo by Urasin Khantaraphan)
Area officials called in tour-bus operators and motorbike taxis to get them to drive straighter and park better around Bali Hai Pier.
Following complaints about haphazard driving and parking by commercial operators at the South Pattaya Pier, Banglamung District Chief Chakorn Kanjawattana called a meeting this month to present a reorganization plan to taxi and bus drivers.
Following complaints about haphazard driving and parking by commercial operators at Bali Hai Pier, officials met at city hall where plans were made for dedicated parking areas for taxis and expansion of the access roads leading into and out of the jetty. More parking also is planned with the lots expected to be completed this month. (Photo by Urasin Khantaraphan)
Chakorn said the continual increase of tourists using Bali Hai has led to problems of minibus, tour bus and motorcycle taxi drivers parking in prohibited areas and blocking roads. Additionally, public vehicles are hindering traffic flow by stopping to pick up customers.
From January through May, 1.8 million people used Bali Hai, according to the Marine Department.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh presented a map of the pier area showing zones for parking and public vehicle use.
Plans call for dedicated parking areas for taxis and expansion of the access roads leading into and out of the jetty. More parking also is planned with the lots expected to be completed this month.
Motorcycles, baht buses, large buses and even food carts park wherever they feel like it, with no regard to traffic flow in the area.
Future plans call for tour bus parking in a currently wooded area on Soi Adhajinda. This lot will be reserved for buses used by tourists going to Koh Larn. It’s hoped it will get the large coaches off public roads where they currently park.
Officials also announced plans to begin refurbishment of the Bali Hai Pier bridge, the only part of the jetty currently in dire shape. 4,600 sq. meters will be rebuilt with a budget of 50 million baht. In addition, more speedboat moorings will be added for 5.5 million baht.
However, there currently is no budget for the project, which still must be approved by the city and Chonburi province. No date estimate was given for when work could begin or finish.
