Taxi fare may be raised
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Deputy Transport Minister Chadchart Sittiphan admitted on Wednesday that it is likely that taxi fares could be raised, following a study that shows a 20 per cent increase in taxi drivers' expenses amid lower income.
He noted that there are three choices to raise the fare.
1. While the start-up meter fee is maintained at Bt35, the fare for the further distance may be raised by Bt0.50.
2. The start-up meter fee is raised to Bt40, while the fare by distance is maintained.
3. No increase in start-up fee or fares, but the distance slots - that trigger a step-by-step increase - are shortened.
Chadchart noted that the first choice is the most possible, as this send the least impact on consumers.
A meeting with taxi drivers and the Land Transport Department would be held, so that a solution could be reached before April 16, he added.
