The Taxi Cooperatives Network is demanding a 20% increase in fares instead of the maximum of 13% as proposed by the authorities.
Withoon Naewpanich, chairman of the network, also wants a positive response from the Department of Land Transport (DLT) by the middle of next month, or taxi drivers would gather for further action. Mr Withoon yesterday submitted a letter calling for the 20% increase in fares to DLT director-general Teerapong Rodprasert.
The network also wants the fare increased all in one go. The authorities earlier approved a fare rise of 8% for six months initially, starting in December, after which the Transport Ministry will assess whether taxis have fulfilled their promise to offer better services. If they are found to have improved, a further 5% fare increase could be approved, taking the total rise to 13%.
Mr Withoon said a fare hike in one go would reduce costs, including the cost of having their meters adjusted. About 100,000 cabs are plying the roads and adjusting gauges on them would take six to eight months.
He said the 20% increase was justified by the rising cost of living. Fares had not increased in 13 years. A fare rise should be calculated based on inflation over 13 years, not six years as the government proposed.
Mr Withoon added however, that the 20% hike was based on the current liquified petroleum gas (LPG) price of 1.20 baht/kg.
If the gas price rose, the government should allow fares to increase by more than 20%.
Mr Withoon submitted a letter outlining the network's requests to the cabinet through the Government House public service centre in September.
In the letter, the government was asked to increase fares by 20%, based on travel distance; to extend the age a meter taxi can remain on the road from nine to 12 years; and grant a tax exemption on cars to be used as taxis.