Phuket launches boat taxi service: goodbye to traffic jams, halved travel time!

Phuket launches boat taxi service: goodbye to traffic jams, halved travel time!

There is currently exciting news in Phuket: a test operation for a boat taxi service between the airport terminal and Patong Beach has started at Phuket International Airport. This initiative aims to reduce the annoying traffic congestion on the roads, which can last up to three hours during rush hour. In contrast, boat transfers are designed to reduce travel time to around 40 minutes. The Thaiger reports that initial tests to test the service have already taken place under the direction of Phuket's deputy governor Theerapong Chuaychu.

The first step was to investigate the convenience and practicality of the boat taxi service. The test drive was from an airport check-in point to the pier in Sirinat National Park, followed by a test of public transport connections between the Patong Beach Pier and surrounding hotels. Authorities are committed to assessing overall transport connectivity for visitors and gathering key insights for upcoming implementation.

Long-term planning and environmental protection

The boat taxi initiatives are part of a broader plan to improve public transport in Phuket. Plans are being discussed to expand the service to 14 more tourist locations along the coast, including popular beaches such as Bang Tao, Kamala and Kata. To this end, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was concluded, signed by Governor Sophon Suwannarat and other authorities, to clarify the legal framework. This information comes from a report by The Phuket Express.

The boat taxi fleet will include a variety of vehicles, including catamarans and speedboats, with a capacity of 50 to 200 passengers. The boats are equipped with the latest technology, such as AIS tracking and GPS navigation, to ensure safe transport. Protecting the environment also plays a central role: permits for floating piers and anchor buoys in Sirinat National Park are granted under strict conditions in order to protect sea turtle nesting areas.

Conclusion and outlook

A successful trial could potentially result in a significant reduction in road traffic, create new business opportunities for local taxi operators and position Phuket as a smart city. Governor Sophon sees the boat taxi project as a first step in the right direction toward developing a sustainable, comprehensive water transportation system that could not only promote tourism but also serve as a model for other coastal cities, as Travel Gumbo describes.

The plans are serious and ambitious, and it remains to be seen how this innovative project will develop in the peak season. The test results will definitely play a crucial role in future implementation.