Bangkok: Metered motorbike taxis

**Mid** · 10-02-2011, 06:52 PM

Coming soon to Bangkok: Metered motorbike taxis
9 February, 2011

Thanks to a crafty U.S. expat, some of the city's beloved vested drivers will reportedly start rocking moto meters in March

Convenient but risky, Bangkok’s motorcycle taxis are the city’s quickest form of public transportation, allowing commuters to bypass stalled traffic at breakneck speed.

In terms of rates, most of the popular destinations near sites where drivers congregate to wait for passengers are written on a board with a set flat fee. Some riders negotiate their own rates depending on distance.

But according to an interview on business website Fastcompany.com, come March some of the city’s motorbike taxi drivers will start using the world’s first motorcyle meters, a device invented by a U.S. expat in Bangkok.

Paul Giles, president of World Moto, says he originally came up with the idea in 2003.

"It's interesting because it's such a simple idea," he says in the "Fast Company" article. "When it hit, it was like a lightning bolt. I thought, my God, they're everywhere, why don't they have a meter?"

The article goes onto discuss how Giles tackled issues such as durability and tampering, as well as future plans for the company.

Fingers crossed Giles will next try to convince the city's unscrupulous tuk tuk drivers to install the meters.

For more on the city's motorbike taxis, check out our guide on how to ride -- and hopefully survive -- Bangkok's 'motocy.'

cnngo.com

**aging one** · 10-02-2011, 07:35 PM

even looks like a smaller and updated version of the one in taxi's now. Cant see it catching on in the rush hour, or for a rush job.

**dirtydog** · 10-02-2011, 08:07 PM

The device runs about $180,

Be queueing up for them.

**BobR** · 10-02-2011, 08:24 PM

What's the point if there is no one to set the standard fare for the meter. I forget by who, but the car taxi fares are regulated so at least all meters should be set the same. Since motorcycle taxis are not regulated, they could set the meter any way they wanted.

You're better off negotiating the fare in advance. Then there are no surprises.

**SiLeakHunt** · 10-02-2011, 08:31 PM

things worked fine as they were already, I've nver had a problem with motorbike's why change a system that already works ..

Cheers

**English Noodles** · 10-02-2011, 09:42 PM

Originally Posted by SiLeakHunt

things worked fine as they were already, I've nver had a problem with motorbike's why change a system that already works .. Cheers

Agree 100%.

**DJ Pat** · 10-02-2011, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by SiLeakHunt

things worked fine as they were already, I've nver had a problem with motorbike's why change a system that already works ..

Cheers

They are cheap enough as it is.

Invented by a guy who obviously hates motorcycle taxis or got ripped off by one.

**billy the kid** · 15-02-2011, 01:39 AM

always a feeling of relief when i arrive
on a motorcycle.
metre taxis best unless you're
in a big hurry.

**shadow role** · 15-02-2011, 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by dirtydog

The device runs about $180,

Be queueing up for them.

don't think so.Ask yourself...Taxis would rather quote you a fare than turn the meter on....if they could!

**bobo746** · 15-02-2011, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Mid

vested drivers will reportedly start rocking moto meters in March

will have them rigged by april

**Bettyboo** · 15-02-2011, 07:43 AM

pointless device...

**Travelmate** · 15-02-2011, 08:29 AM

On paper the idea is good.
But in practice doomed to failure.

**English Noodles** · 15-02-2011, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by Travelmate

On paper the idea is good.

I disagree. What is so good about the principle idea? As it is at the moment all motorcycle taxi stands must have a board with prices to nearby areas clearly shown, since the law was introduced last year I have not seen a single taxi stand in the city not doing this. The fares are reasonable and you know exactly what you are going to pay before you start your journey (like getting the BTS, river taxi, songthaew, mini van or bus). There is no need at all to meter the motorcycle taxis. Metered tuk-tuks are a far better idea.

**BobR** · 15-02-2011, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by English Noodles

Originally Posted by SiLeakHunt

things worked fine as they were already, I've nver had a problem with motorbike's why change a system that already works .. Cheers

Agree 100%.

The goof that invented this thing might be a retired government worker, he still has that bureaucratic fix what does not need fixing mentality.

Thread: Bangkok: Metered motorbike taxis

Thread Tools

Display

Bangkok: Metered motorbike taxis

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

Posting Permissions