Phuket Launches Metred Taxi Services

Exploring Phuket in the cool air-conditioned comfort of taxi has never been as easy or affordable, thanks to a new island-wide initiative to offer metred taxis to tourists, which was launched last month.

"We will now see more and more metred taxis driving around the island. Prathuang Sornkham, the director of Phuket International Airport told Phuket Gazette. "There will eventually be about 1,400 metred taxis on Phuket."

As well as making Phuket’s taxi service greener, the new service also means tourists have better access to a convenient transport that will eventually rule out the need to negotiate a price with taxi drivers before getting into the vehicle.The new rates for metred taxis are THB50 (US$1.55) for the first 2km, then THB12 (US$0.37) for the next 15km and THB10 (US$0.31) for distances further than that. There will also be a THB50 (US$1.55) surcharge for passengers travelling in a metred taxi.

"We now have a metred taxi counter service in the airport terminal for travellers. At some point, we will also install an electronic system to make it easier for passengers who land at Phuket International Airport to call a metred taxi,’ added Khun Prathuang.

There is no doubt that the advent of metred taxis will be well received by tourists exploring the sights of Phuket on vacation ad they will eventually be able to flag down a car form most places on the island. Of course, alternative transport options will continue to be offered with private cars and minivans available for advance booking and a range of rental companies offering self drive vehicles for travellers that want a little more freedom.

Guests at the island's private rental villas often opt to hire their own car. With plenty of local knowledge and an extensive list of contacts, villa managers are a mine of information and help guests select the best places to visit based on their individual needs and holiday preferences.

by MAX VEE