Minivans bound for nearby provinces back at Bus Terminal 1

PHUKET: Those catching minivans from Phuket to nearby provinces now need to go to Bus Terminal 1, the old bus terminal, the Phuket Gazette was told this week.

The change took place on December 15, after the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) received complaints from Phuket passengers.

“Customers said that because Bus Terminal 2 is situated outside of Phuket Town, it takes more time and money to reach the station,” explained Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) chief Terayout Prasertphol.

Vans at Terminal 1 will now be destined for Krabi, Koh Lanta (Krabi), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Baan Song (Nakhom Si Thammarat), Hat Yai, Surat Thani and Takuapa (Phang Nga). However, tour buses to these destinations will still be leaving from Terminal 2.

“These places are less than 300km from Phuket and more frequently visited by people departing the island,” said Mr Terayout.

There are 88 trips per day along the seven routes.

“We have already been given positive feedback about the change. The van companies like the idea of their vans being back at the old bus terminal, and their customers seem satisfied,” said Mr Terayout.

— Khumpee Prasertphol