New initiative: Phuket Town to Patong for 50 baht

PHUKET: A new public transport initiative was set into motion yesterday with the launch of 50-baht van rides from the Old Phuket Town bus station on Phang Nga Road to Patong Beach.

The 15 seat vans will stop at previously established bus stops at Phuket Provincial Hall, Phuket Prison, Satree Phuket School, Vachira Phuket Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Tessaban Baan Samkong School and Samkong Tesco Lotus.

“The van is scheduled to go from Phuket Town to Patong Beach every hour from 7am to 6pm and from 6am to 5pm from Patong Beach to Phuket Town. There are six vans in service,” said Terayout Prasertphol, chief of the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO).

It will cost 50 baht to go from Phuket Town to Patong or Patong to Phuket Town, and only 30 baht from Phuket Town to Samkong or Patong to Samkong. Students will be charged half price.

Destination stickers are displayed in both Thai and English.

“This is a cheap transportation option that we are proud to present to residents and tourists,” said Mr Terayout. “I want to see people supporting and using it, as we have put a lot of hard work into it.”

The PLTO will keep a close watch on the new initiative’s demands.

“If people seem to need more vans, we may change the schedule so that they leave every 30 minutes during peak hours. We hope to provide more public transportation on the island.”

— Chutharat Plerin