Metered taxis can be a menace too

Not everyone is successful hailing a Bangkok cab, and that’s why the capital’s taxi service can’t be hailed a success. People frequently complain about poor service, with the most commonly held wish being the ability to get a ride when they need it. Unfortunately, so far, no government has come up with effective measures that would grant them that wish.

Taxis top the list of complaints about transport services this year. 

Rants by frustrated passengers have become common on the social media. The anger level hits a peak during rush hour, when choosy cabbies will often just say “no” to would-be passengers. Among their excuses are “got to fill up the gas”, “on my way home” and “traffic’s too bad”. Sometimes they don’t even bother to give an explanation. 

If you do get a ride, you face another set of risks. The guy behind the wheel can behave like he’s driving a racing car. Or, if the traffic is very heavy, he might decide to harass the passenger. Some passengers are glad when the cabby merely asks for a big tip.

Taxi troubles have opened the way for an alternative. A new service “sneaked” onto the road in February. Despite being nicknamed “Uber taxi”, it has positioned itself as a tech company. Uber boasts that its smartphone app connects passengers and drivers at the tap of a button. It’s pricier than a metered taxi, but users are willing to pay more for the added convenience. Uber has spread to about 250 cities around the world, customers appreciating a service that guarantees a clean car in roadworthy condition, whenever they want it. But, after serving Thai users for 10 months, the service has been declared illegal by authorities here.

Land Transport Department chief Teerapong Rodpradert said that, since its drivers aren’t licensed to drive public transport, Uber’s service put users at risk. Thus it could not be registered. He also said it discriminates against consumers without credit cards since cash payments are not accepted. 

Some countries have banned Uber over fears that it threatens the status of their existing taxi services. But, though it has fought legal battles for official recognition elsewhere, Uber has so far preferred not to confront Thai authorities. A message on its Twitter account reads: “We respect and welcome the opportunity to engage with the relevant authorities to help them better understand the value we bring to the transportation ecosystem of Thailand.”

The argument over whether Uber constitutes a taxi service is a hot one. Some say the issue has nothing to do with taxis, while others – especially the users – argue that it directly linked with the poor quality of the existing metered service. 

The lack of registration has sparked concern that Uber could be exploited for criminal ends. Meanwhile credit-card payment bars many from using the service. Still, some believe Uber is a good alternative to Thailand’s taxi service. “We all look for a bargain, but why are people willing to pay more in this case? Someone should figure it out,” prompts a Facebook page called “Voice of Passengers”.

As well as seeking answers to that question, the authorities might ask themselves why people are willing to “risk” using an unregistered service. What is wrong with the metered taxis? If the existing service were satisfactory, there would be no room for Uber. Banning Uber by saying it violates the law was easy. Meanwhile improving the existing taxi service seems to be as difficult as trying to hail a cab during rush hour. But improving that situation is where authorities need to focus their efforts.