In response to mounting grievances, Transport Co Ltd, a state enterprise overseen by the Transport Ministry, swiftly addressed the issue of taxi drivers imposing a hefty 50-baht surcharge at Mo Chit 2 terminus, serving provinces in the North and Northeast.
Effective Friday, Transport Co has reconfigured the terminus, redirecting interprovincial buses to drop off passengers at the departure section, halting the arrival area’s use.
A recent statement from Transport Co vehemently refuted any association with such exploitative practices, cautioning passengers to stay vigilant and report incidents to the Department of Land Transport at 1584. Stern action awaits any taxi drivers caught imposing illicit surcharges, with affected passengers advised to utilize the official taxi stand near Exit 4 to avoid such tactics, according to The Nation.
Furthermore, Transport Co has enhanced its services by introducing a shuttle bus between the bus terminal and Mo Chit BTS station from 4 am to 7 am. Alternatively, travellers can utilize public buses at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority terminal south of the Chatuchak Bus Terminus.
In a related development, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced plans on Tuesday, February 27, to relocate the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) to the Krung Thep Abhiwat Central Terminal. The move aims to enhance convenience for travellers, as the Central Terminal is easily accessible via the MRT electronic rail system.
In parallel efforts to safeguard tourists’ interests, Bangkok has unveiled measures to combat the long-standing issue of tuk tuk and taxi overcharging.
Amidst growing concerns over foreign tourists falling victim to exploitative practices, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, led by Permanent Secretary Wanthanee Wattana, convened a crucial meeting involving public and private stakeholders to address the matter head-on.
