Fairness runs both ways

Fairness runs both ways

A surge in reports about cheating taxi drivers began two weeks ago. A Japanese resident, Akihiro Tomikawa, posted an account of an argument with a driver at Suvarnabhumi airport. The bilingual Facebook story by Mr Tomikawa, who calls himself Koki Aki, attracted thousands of likes and comments.

It also led to airport authorities barring the driver concerned from picking up passengers. The driver defended his actions by saying he owned a van-taxi, and should make more money from passengers like Mr Tomikawa, who had several large suitcases and carry-on bags.

Even the Japanese writer acknowledged in his post the taxi driver had a point. Regular metered taxis in the Bangkok area are limited as to how many passengers and suitcases they can carry as most of the boot space is taken up by a gas cylinder.

So-called van-taxis or five-door taxis — which are actually not vans in the technical sense — can accommodate more luggage in the back, and fit more passengers into the available seats. They also are more expensive to buy and, because of their size and larger engines, cost more to run.

It is encouraging to see Suvarnabhumi authorities taking the drivers' complaints to heart. The larger van-taxis fill a niche for travellers between ordinary taxis and the expensive specialty vehicles of the airport's limousine service. Street taxis cannot carry a family and their luggage, but van-taxis can. And so for many reasons, the drivers are correct in saying they should be allowed to charge more for those with piles of suitcases.

There are many options for officials and drivers to consider in this situation. In many other cities, taxis are allowed to charge passengers for each additional suitcase. Such charges are typically in the range of 30-50 baht per bag.

Transport ministry officials last week said they were opposed for the moment to a baggage surcharge. Instead, they told the media they were considering a rise in the current 50-baht surcharge to the meter price for every taxi ride taken from the airport.

Transport Minister Prajin Juntong only last month approved an increase in meter fares for licenced taxis in the Bangkok area. The fare rise is modest and attracted little public opposition. That doesn't mean drivers have the full backing of consumer-citizens, however, as it seems the number of drivers who refuse passengers is increasing exponentially.

This raises an important point. Authorities must continue to monitor and investigate every allegation of cheating. Ripping off passengers is unacceptable. Upon moving their taxis into the queue at Suvarnabhumi, every taxi driver accepts the fares and conditions. Any driver can opt out of the agreed fare structure by simply not joining the taxi queue in the first place.

The current atmosphere in which drivers are finding public and official sympathy for their complaints is no excuse for breaking the rules. Drivers and their advocates should take complaints to the airport authorities.

They should petition and engage the Land Transport Department and its ultimate boss, Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong.

But none of this should detract from their ultimate responsibility — to safely drive and deliver all passengers to their destination, at a known and published fare.

Taxi drivers have a difficult job. Cheating and refusing passengers, however, is a surefire way to lose public sympathy for a fair fare rise.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (9)