Transport minister to consider on raising taxi fares

BANGKOK, September 3 (TNA) -- Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Thursday that he would consider increasing taxi fares in October as pledged earlier to taxi operators. Mr Arkhom said he would take into consider three major factors in allowing for the increase in taxi fares which is now collected at 35 baht at the beginning of the meter and then increase on the length of the distance. The three factors are the actual cost of the gasoline, the cost of living of the people and an improving service by the drivers and the operators. Mr Arkhom said his ministry encourages more potential private businessmen to operate taxis in order to increase service standards. His remarks were made as he presided over the launching of ‘All Thai Taxi’ operated by Nakorn Chai Air which has been providing interprovincial bus services from Bangkok to upcountry. Anan Wongbencharat, board chairman of Nakorn Chai Air, said he is optimistic that ‘All Thai Taxi’ would receive recognition from passengers soon. Currently, ‘All Thai Taxi’ offers 150 taxis to passengers and plans to offer altogether 500 taxis this December, said Mr Anan. It plans to increase the number of taxis to double or triple with an aim to cope with the increase of demand in Bangkok. (TNA)