Government okays hike in fares; cabbies prefer reduction in rental fees instead

The rocketing price of petrol is going to hit commuters in Bangkok and adjacent provinces harder. After facing a bus-fare hike, they will soon have to pay more for  taxi rides too.

The Transport Ministry yesterday approved the taxi-fare raise, which will charge a passenger at least 12 per cent more.

The raise will take effect as soon as the Transport Ministry's regulation on the taxi-fare hike is published in the Royal Gazette and taxis have their metres adjusted.

"This will raise the fare from my house in Rangsit to Central Ladprao by over 40 per cent," said a passenger. For the 30-kilometre ride, she will need to pay Bt194 against Bt135.

Another woman complained that she would have no other choice but to ride a taxi when having to travel late at night. "I don't own a car."

She said she would now try to take as few taxis as possible.

"I used to get a taxi when I was in a hurry but I plan to give up this habit," she added.

According to the new rule, passengers will be charged Bt35 for the first kilometre, compared with two kilometres in the past. The rate for subsequent kilometres will be raised 50 satang per kilometre.

Meters adjusted

Deputy Transport Minister Songsak Thongsri said yesterday that all taxis must have their meters adjusted and must get the Land Transport Department's permission before raising the fares or face fines of no more than Bt2,000.

According to Chairat Sanguansue, acting director-general of the Land Transport Department, nine companies are now empowered to adjust the meters.

He also plans to control the introduction of new cabs to ensure sufficient work for existing drivers. The department will hire a consultant to survey how many cabs Bangkok should have. At present, over 90,000 cabs are registered but only 65,000 are in operation.

Taxi Association vice president Vitoon Naewpanit said a meter adjustment only takes between 15 and 20 minutes.

However, he said the huge number of taxis needing the adjustment might give some centres an opportunity to overcharge.

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Stepping in to help

Meanwhile, Boonchai Rungru-angpaisalsuk, the president of consumers' network against public bus fare hikes, said he would file a petition after the hike takes effect.

"This will benefit taxi owners, not cabbies. They could also raise rental fees or stop giving special days without rental fees to cabbies," Boonchai said.

"Taxi drivers now earn Bt300 a day, as they have to pay about Bt380 for gas and about Bt550 to Bt650 in rental fees. About 60 to 70 per cent of the cabbies I've talked to said they didn't want to increase the fare because they were afraid they would have fewer passengers, but they want taxi owners to reduce the rental fees instead."

New taxi fares

>> Taxis will charge Bt35 flag fall for the first kilometre and an extra 50 satang for the second and subsequent kilometres.

>> Km 1: Bt35

>> Km 2-12: Bt5 per km

>> Km 12-20: Bt5.50 per km

>> Km 20-40: Bt6 per km

>> Km 40-60: Bt6.50 per km

>> Km 80 onward: Bt8.50 per km

Source: Transport Ministry

>> Meter charges apply nationwide. Passengers are banned from paying taxi drivers a lump sum.