The Land Transport Department together with All Thai Taxi Company has launched amenities-rigged Mercedes Benz “Taxi VIP” that starts its fare at 150 baht while aiming to supply 2,000 cars this year.
The Land Transport Department Director-General Mr Sanit Phromwong spoke after the launch ceremony that Taxi VIP’s service can be accessed via Taxi OK mobile application.
Mercedes-Benz C350e Avantgarde model are used as taxi to mainly serve businessmen and the tourist segment especially those who look for luxury, comfort and premium services.
A Taxi VIP service provider hence needs to be a juristic person.
The vehicles to be used in this project must be of capacity higher than common taxis, being in brand new condition or less than 2 years old with less than 20,000 kilometers running distance.
The installed component parts are to be identical with what are used in Taxi OK.
In addition, amenities for extra passenger comfort such as free drinking water, newspaper, cold napkin, free Wi-Fi and phone charger are also provided.
The Taxi VIP fare starts from 150 baht for the first 2 kilometers. Every next kilometer is charged at 12-16 baht. It also charges 6 baht per every minute that the car stands still in traffic.
In case of the car being called via its communications service center, it charges no more than 50 baht a time. The reservation fee and airport pick up fee will cost no more than 100 baht each.
So far, there are only 15 taxis that have completed the registration process and ready as a first lot of the Taxi VIP service.
There are supposed to be 100 cars within 2 months. The department initially anticipates that it needs 10,000 cars to adequately provide the service but only 1,000-2,000 could be registered this year which will not be enough.
When asked about any updates on adjustment of public transport fares, the Land Transport Department Director-General said that the new fare structure is still being studied to make sure every aspect has been considered and it should come to a conclusion in this coming July.
For the time being, a strict enforcement of law is needed to handle the situation where there are still complaints about taxis drivers who refuse to take passengers.
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Top and in-text: Swanky Mercedes Benz Taxi VIP for those who seek an extra comfortable ride.
By Piboon Awasdaruharote
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