As a resident of Phuket, it is always a pleasure to return to the island after being away for a while.
One of the few redeeming features of Phuket’s taxi services is that one can actually take a metered taxi home from the airport at a fair price.
However, when I returned from Bankok this Sunday with a friend, we were abruptly told that we could not share a metered taxi because we wanted to be dropped off at different addresses, both in Bang Tao.
“Only one stop for a metered taxi,” the driver said.
You come to expect it from the touts, but to now have this from metered taxis is very disheartening.
Is this the accepted standard for airport taxis? Can tourists heading in the same general direction really not share a taxi?
Bryan Shale, Thalang
Monday, January 11, 2010 4:24:23 PM
“Metered taxi provides one-stop service only. If you would like to be dropped off at different destinations, you will pay separate fares. Customers can get into the same taxi, but they must pay for their own charges.
For example, if you hire a taxi and would like to be dropped off at Kamala Beach, but your friend wants to be dropped off at Patong beach, the prices will be different. You can expect to pay a 300 baht fare to Kamala Beach. Your friend should expect to pay 450 baht fare for Patong Beach after the meter is reset in Kamala. That means you and your friends have to pay 750 baht in total.
For more information contact the Airport Zone Taxi Meter Association (Tel: 076-202171; 082-4211644; Email: Taxi.meter@hotmail.com; Website: taximeter-phuket.com).”
Monday, January 11, 2010 4:24:23 PM
Miss Piyanan, Receptionist at the Airport Zone Taxi Meter Association counter
“The Gazette notes that typical rates for taxi meter services from the airport to a number of local and regional destinations are available here.”
