100-baht taxi rides during Patong Carnival

PHUKET: Anyone coming or going from Phuket’s primary party town during the Patong Carnival will now be able to enjoy taxi rides, confirmed Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsab.

From November 1-3, GrabTaxi and GrabCar will be charging only 100 baht for a ride to or from Patong.

“This is a great offer by the company to support the festival and to demostrate that Phuket has reasonable public transportation choices,” said Mayor Chalermluck.

All drivers have already been informed of the discounted prices, with the company taking care of any excess charges.

“I am very thankful for their kind offer and hope that a lot of people will use the service,” Ms Chalermluck said. “We will setup a booth for GrabTaxi and GrabCar at the festival, so they can promote themselves throughout the event.”

The launch of GrabTaxi was backed by former Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong in July (story here).

The GrabTaxi application is available for free download on iOS, Android and BlackBerry platforms. It is the first and largest taxi app in the Philippines and Southeast Asia that enables passengers to book taxis with just a few taps on their smartphones, the company’s website explains.

Ms Chalermluck noted that a van service from Phuket Town to Patong is also available.

“The van is another good choice for visitors. The vans only cost 50 baht,” she said.

Th 15-seat van service was announced in September by Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO) Chief Terayout Prasertphol (story here).

The vans use the bus stops at Phuket Provincial Hall, Phuket Prison, Satree Phuket School, Vachira Phuket Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Tessaban Baan Samkong School and Samkong Tesco Lotus.

“We have also prepared parking areas for visitors. They can park at the football field, as well as the market in front of Duangjitt Resort and Spa. However, I urge visitors not to drive their own cars, as it is not guaranteed that they will get a spot close to the festival,” said Ms Chalermluck.

“Phuket now has many public transportation options. Please use them.”

— Chutharat Plerin