Thai transport authorities not yet allow fare hikes

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) - Thai transport authorities have not yet allowed any fare hike by both passenger buses and taxis, despite a growing demand by operators of the public transport services. Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said that he had assigned his ministry's Department of Land Transport to study fuel costs which would affect passenger buses and taxis' fares, after diesel prices on the domestic marker have now increased to 32 baht per liter. Jarupong acknowledged, however, whether or not the proposed fare rises will be approved will depend on the Central Land Transport Committee's consideration and resolution. Land Transport Department Director-General Somchai Siriwattanachoke insisted that any fare hike of public transport services is the authority of the transport minister, but his department will provide the minister with updated information on fuel costs as ordered, denying rumors that the minimum taxi fare will be soon allowed to increase to 40-50 baht, from 35 baht currently. Speaking after a meeting with government officials, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong, Siam Taxi Co-operative President Witoon Naewpanich said, meanwhile, it has been agreed that local taxi operators should be assisted due to rising fuel prices with a decision to be made after May 16, when a discount program for fuel sales offered by PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) ends, proposing that taxi fares should be raised by 5 per cent on average, from the revised starting fare onward. (TNA)