An inter-provincial bus operator, Nakhonchai Air Co, is going into the taxi business.
Nakhonchai Air Co showcase their new All Thai Taxi service, including a data-recording black box for security. The service aims to compete with Uber Taxis and launches on May 1. (Photo by Tawatchai Khumgumnerd)
The well-known bus company is planning to procure 500 sedans worth 700 million baht under the name "All Thai Taxi", a project the owners say will ease growing complaints among regular taxi customers, such as overcharging and rejecting customers.
"The company intends to develop the All Thai Taxi project to set a new standard for taxi services in Thailand. Convenience, safety and modernisation will be offered to passengers," said Anan Wongbencharat, board chairman of Nakhonchai Air Co, in announcing the plans yesterday.
Teerapong Rodprasert, director-general of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), said the department has received many complaints about cabbies refusing fares and duping customers by switching off meters or using faulty meters.
All Thai Taxi passengers will be able to call taxis via a mobile app, and the fare will be calculated by the standard taxi meter plus a 20-baht surcharge.
Mr Anan said the app was designed particularly for calling taxis and filing service complaints, but customers will also be able to call 1624 — the company's 24-hour hotline — or hail taxis on the street if the vacancy light is turned on.
Meanwhile, a GPS and a black box in the car will record information about the drivers' whereabouts. Fares can be paid by cash, credit and debit cards.
Mr Anan said drivers would not be allowed to reject customers, and every cabbie must pass a training programme. The app will be available for download in April for a trial period, and the service will officially launch on May 1 this year.