Army keeps pressure on baht buses, taxis

0
2491

The army is keeping up the pressure on Pattaya baht buses and taxis, ensuring they stop parking in areas that clog traffic.

Col. Popanan Luangpanuwut, deputy commander of the 14th Military Circle.
Col. Popanan Luangpanuwut, deputy commander of the 14th Military Circle.

Col. Popanan Luangpanuwut, deputy commander of the 14th Military Circle, told attendees at a Dec. 14 meeting that the crackdown on public transport operators continues with motorbikes, taxi, vans and baht busses.

Of particular interest to the military are vehicles that park on public property and flagrantly disobey traffic laws.

Part of the army’s law-and-order push is to paint all motorbike taxis the same color – blue – as per Chonburi Police regulations.

He vowed that motorbikes, baht buses and other vehicles no longer be allowed to pick up customers wherever they want and must stop in designated areas.

Pattaya’s former leaders made a much-publicized push to force operators to use 17 bus stops, but never enforced the law. The military has shown more resolve in following through on initiatives previously attempted by city hall.

The Land Transport Department will be consulted to determine areas for parking, picking-up, and dropping off customers. It also means public-transport vehicles will have designated routes and waiting areas, he said.