The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has vowed to keep its famous free taxi service for disabled people despite budget constraints amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I have decided not to axe this project because there are 4,000 to 6,000 users per month," Bangkok governor Aswin Kranwmuang wrote on his Facebook page.
"This service has provided convenience to the elders and citizens who use wheelchairs and reduced the burden on families. I will find the budget to keep this service going."
The contract for the free service, operated by Krungthep Thanakom Co Ltd under the BMA, concluded at the end of September.
The service has been operating since 2012 during the tenure of former Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra. The programme has been widely praised by city dwellers.
After criticism that Bangkok was unfriendly toward the disabled and the elderly, City Hall in 2012 introduced the taxis to help those in need.
Unveiled that year on Dec 5 to celebrate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great's birthday, the service started with 10 taxi vans. There are now 30 of these vans providing the service.
Despite the service receiving nothing but praise, the BMA had planned to cancel the project following the expiry of Krungthep Thanakom's contract. A BMA executive reportedly did not renew the scheme due to budget constraints.
The BMA had to cut its budget due to less income from taxes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
As of now, however, Pol Gen Aswin and Krungthep Thanakom have agreed to continue the service for another two months, while the BMA's Department on Traffic and Transport has been ordered to find a way to carry on with the popular service beyond that.
The service costs BMA over 140 million baht per year. It covers 70% of the service's budget, while Krungthep Thanakom covers 30%.
Pol Gen Aswin said he intends to see the service continue and improve in the capital Bangkok.
"For the next phase, we intend to use vans that are powered by electricity to reduce pollution," he said.
Currently, the vans are stationed at three centres: Rama III Road in Sathon area, the Nong Khaem Centre on Phutthamonthon Sai 3 road and Ramkhamhaeng Soi 40 road.
Each van is equipped with slots for two wheelchair users and two seats. Trained staff, apart from the driver, accommodate the needs of passengers.
The elderly and people with disabilities or their families must book seats at least one day in advance to secure their positions.
The BMA and Krungthep Thanakom provide the taxi service seven days a week regularly from 6am to 10pm.
The service prioritises passengers who need a lift to hospitals, government agencies and foundations. Passengers heading for other locations aside from those mentioned are given last priority.
According to Krungthep Thanakom's records, the service logs in about 1,600 trips per month, or an average of 50 trips per day.
Demand for the service has been high, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. As of now, there are an average of 800 people on a waiting list each month.
Wansao Chaiyakul, a coordinator for Disabled People International Asia Pacific, favours the service.
He said it offers disabled people with more transportation choices when they travel.
"Some drivers of regular taxis are not inclined to pick up disabled passengers due to fear of bad luck," Mr Wansao said.
"Some just ignore the disabled because [taxi drivers] don't know how to handle them."
A taxi service for those who are disabled can be seen as a step in the right direction for the capital's urban transport industry.
Mr Wansao said instead of axing the programme, the BMA should provide more of these taxis in the future.
Those interested in enlisting the service can visit www.thanakom.co.th.