Fat fare: Taxi drivers to get at least 5 percent fare hike after Songkran

The Ministry of Transport plans to increase taxi fares by at least 5 percent, taking effect mid-April.

To help bring fares in line with actual costs, the meter rate will be increased about 5-7 percent, according to a delayed fare increase plan which was approved in December 2014, according to the Department of Land Transport’s director-general Sanit Phromwong.

“The Department of Land Transport approved the first fare adjustment [in December 2014] for 6 to 8 percent higher,” Sanit told Khaosod English. “The second adjustment in late April is expected to add 5 to 7 percent more which is still under 13 percent approved.”

Two new rates will be issued for two sizes of taxis — the SUV and normal taxi, and the airport surcharge will also be increased.

The new rates have not been finalized.

Sanit added that he hopes the fare increase will fix prolonged problems such as drivers rejecting passengers and refusing to use meters.

The department also plans to order every taxi to install a GPS navigation system in order to ensure passenger safety, Khaosod English reported.