Only 38 taxi drivers fined last month for refusing to take passengers
BANGKOK: — 809 Bangkok taxi drivers were fined in May, according to the latest data released from the Department of Land Transport, although only 38 of those were down to refusing fares.
That’s just over 1 driver a day during the month of May being held accountable for refusing to take passengers — in reality, it’s likely that there are a lot more drivers in the city refusing fares and apparently escaping the punishment.
Other reasons for taxi fines in May included not checking the operation of their meters by the due date, failure to pay vehicle tax, not displaying licences and using illegal vehicles.
Also fined were 355 van drivers and 119 motorbike taxis drivers, reports the Bangkok Post.
In addition to the fines, those at fault were sent to awareness workshops in a bid to improve their customer service.
Remember, the best way to help improve the public transport services in Bangkok is to report incidents to the Department of Land Transport. Here’s how:
24 hour hotline: Call 1584
Online: Department of Land Transport
Line: 1584dlt
Email: [email protected]
Recognising the impact that opportunistic taxi drivers can have on tourists (for instance, refusing to use the meter or overcharging foreigners), the Airports of Thailand (AOT) have been focusing on improving onward service from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.
Public transport drivers can apply to undertake a series of tests to receive a professional certificate and licence from the Competency Assurance Centre for Occupational Standards for Community Standards.
Full story: http://whatsonsukhum…ake-passengers/
