Three Phuket drivers have been caught using their personal vehicles to operate a taxi service. According to a Phuket Express report, the drivers were stopped at a checkpoint set up by the Phuket Land Transport Office earlier this week.
Between 9.00am and 12.00 midday on Tuesday, February 14, PLTO officials manned a checkpoint by the Si Kor Intersection in Kathu (the last big intersection before you head up Patong Hill from Kathu towards Patong), checking the many vehicles travelling up Patong Hill.
In total, the authorities found three drivers using their personal cars as illegal taxis (what the PLTO call “black plate” taxis). The term “black plate” is used to describe a privately-owned vehicle that is being used to offer an illegal taxi service (this despite the fact that the licence plates on a private vehicle are white).
According to the report, the 3 drivers have been fined and officials are considering suspending their licences for 90 days.
The authorities in Phuket have been ramping up efforts to catch illegal taxis, following complaints from the island’s registered cab drivers. Over 100 taxi, minivan, and tuk tuk drivers recently rallied at the provincial hall in Phuket Town to protest over illegal drivers “stealing” their customers.
The PLTO has also been investigating reports of foreigners using rental cars to offer illegal taxi services.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
