Taxi drivers eager for fare hike

Taxi drivers are turning up the heat on their campaign to increase fares.

The Bangkok Taxi Cooperatives Network, who represents most of the 80,000 cabs in greater Bangkok, have warned the Transport Ministry it will increase protests if a previous demand for a fuel cost subsidy is not met., Amornrat Mahitthirook wrote yesterday in the Bangkok Post.

The current initial fare for the first three kilometers is THB35. Under the proposed fare hike, the following kilometers would increase from THB5 to 8.50 to up to THB12 per kilometer. Additionally, every minute sitting in traffic would cost THB2.50, an increase of one baht.

According to the the leader of the network, Withoon Naewpanich, taxi drivers only earn around THB300 per day.

Photo: NNT