Bangkok: Mallika Jiraphanwanich, Deputy Minister of Transport, confirmed that the “Digital Taxi Meter” is a development and upgrade concept for Thai taxis. She emphasized that there will be no fare increase and is confident that all parties involved will benefit.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Mallika, along with Mr. Panya Chuphanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and Mr. Sorapong Paitoonpong, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, clarified the guidelines for upgrading taxis with a Digital Taxi Meter. This initiative aims to enhance taxi service efficiency, boost transparency, and build passenger confidence. The initiative will also include strict enforcement of laws to crack down on illegal taxis, and they confirmed that there will be no increase in taxi fares as per rumors.
Ms. Mallika stated that the Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Land Transport (DLT), aims to raise the standards of taxi service, create transparency, and enhance safety for users with the Digital Taxi Meter policy. This will involve not only adjusting the fare calculator but also implementing a QR code system for passengers to verify driver identity, thereby preventing illegal taxis and providing a direct link to the DLT’s complaint system.
The Digital Taxi Meter will also employ GPS technology to evaluate driver performance, enhancing the overall standards of Thai taxis. Ms. Mallika reassured the public that there would be no immediate price increase but mentioned that fair fare guidelines are being studied. The implementation of the Digital Taxi Meter system is still in its conceptual phase, requiring comprehensive analysis of its impacts.
Existing taxi operators will have the opportunity to participate in the new system, provided their vehicles meet the DLT’s maintenance and inspection criteria. This inclusive approach ensures that current taxi drivers are not excluded and helps improve the overall quality of taxi services.
The primary focus of the Digital Taxi Meter is to enhance passenger safety and convenience, ensuring that users receive safe, transparent, and verifiable services. Ms. Mallika reaffirmed that the policy would benefit all parties, with passengers experiencing increased safety and confidence, and taxi drivers benefiting from a standardized system and professional image enhancement. The DLT will also gain accurate data for future development planning, elevating the standards of public transportation in Thailand.