Phuket’s new Airport Bus slated for July 1 launch

PHUKET: The Phuket transport authorities today verbally agreed to launch the new Phuket Airport Bus service on July 1.

The provincial transportation committee will meet again next Tuesday to ratify the decision in writing, Phuket Vice Governor and committee chairman Chamroen Tipayapongtada confirmed.

Of the 29 government officers, airport officials and tourism and hotel industry representatives present at the meeting today, not one person represented taxi or tuk-tuk associations on the island.

“After much discussion today, we have agreed to launch the new bus service in two steps,” V/Gov Chamroen explained.

“First, on Tuesday next week, we will officially approve the new service from the airport to Patong only,” he said.

“The 24-seat buses will run every hour from about 6am, when the first flight arrives at the airport, to about 9pm,” V/Gov Chamroen said.

“Then, as our second step after the new service has launched, we will invite every affected party to join a discussion to resolve any conflicts,” he added.

The decision to launch the new service was unanimous, Phuket Land Transport Office chief Terayout Prasertphol explained.

“Every committee member agreed the bus service should go ahead… The new service will benefit the people of Phuket and tourists. They will have more choices in road transport at affordable prices,” Mr Terayout said.

— Irfarn Jamdukor