The Department of Land Transport last week decided to ban part of the service offered by US-based taxi company Uber, citing safety concerns and a lack of regulation.
For middle-class Bangkok commuters, the prohibition of such an exceptional service — whose slogan is “everyone’s private driver” — is a truly sad story.
Director-general of the Land Transport Department Teerapong Rodpraert, however, said that Uber is not banned altogether. The department has only prohibited Uber’s use of “black licence plate” cars, which are legally registered as private vehicles. The department reasoned that taxi drivers must have a commercial driving licence and the service must be offered in vehicles registered as commercial vehicles. The use of private vehicles for public service is apparently illegal.
The ban does not apply to properly licenced cars, meaning “green licence plate” limousines operated by Uber are still allowed to offer services. These only cover rides from airports to hotels or hotels to tourist destinations.
Following its launch in San Francisco in 2001, Uber has become recognised by passengers worldwide for its safe and reliable service, through which customers can use smartphones to book taxis. After the company came to Thailand early this year, commuters did not hesitate to call it one of their quality taxi service options. Considering the taxi-related conundrums facing Bangkok citizens every time they want to get a cab, the fact that Uber has become welcome quickly in the capital is understandable.
Experiences of being rejected by a taxi driver during rush hour, stuck in traffic because the driver is too arrogant to use the shortcut suggested or being cheated due to the taxi meter’s designated flat rate are common for Bangkok commuters. These acts are in fact illegal too.
The premium taxi service offered by Uber is, in a way, designed to fix these transport issues. With Uber drivers, passengers do not have to listen to their political viewpoints and be worried they will be stabbed or shot to death if they do not agree with those views. With Uber drivers, passengers can somehow feel safe that they will not be sexually harassed.
Despite Uber’s relatively higher rate compared to regular taxis, middle-class Bangkokians are willing to pay a little more to receive a more pleasurable and safer journey. While conventional taxi fares start from 35 baht, the premium service offered by Uber starts from 45 baht. On average, Uber is about 50-60% more expensive than a standard taxi, yet passengers do not mind paying extra, especially when all Uber drivers are trained to open the car door for passengers when they get in and out.
Prohibiting Uber because its drivers and vehicles are not registered legally is a heartbreaking yet sensible move. What Uber needs to do to continue providing its service is use properly registered vehicles. Real simple.
Importantly, if the Land Transport Department outlaws Uber, it must do the same with conventional taxi drivers who fail to follow the law. The Land Traffic Act states clearly that taxi drivers should not refuse to transport passengers, except when doing so is likely to cause danger to the driver or potential customers.
While driving, drivers should not smoke, turn on the radio or act in any manner that is a nuisance to the passengers. Drivers should also not be impolite, speak sarcastically, insult, abuse or act in such a manner toward passengers or other people. If there are no passengers, taxis must display the lit-up “unoccupied” sign.
There is even a dress code for taxi drivers, requiring them to wear a plain-coloured shirt and trousers. Slippers are not allowed. Drivers who fail to follow these measures are subject to a fine.
If the Land Transport Department is to make things legally right when it comes to Bangkok’s taxis, issues regarding conventional taxi malpractice should be sorted out too. Otherwise, this whole episode is nothing but double standards.
If conventional taxis can be made to follow the rules and improve the quality of service, offering decent rides to Bangkok commuters, then we will not need better taxi service options in the first place.
Arusa Pisuthipan is the deputy editor of the Life section of the Bangkok Post.