Taxi Overcharging

[Guest fountainhall]

Returning from Suvarnabhumi last week-end, as usual I had no trouble getting a public taxi. At 11:00pm on a Sunday evening, we zipped in to the city with zero hold-ups and I got home within 30 minutes.

 

A few minutes earlier, however, as we spent a short time waiting at traffic lights at the expressway exit, I noticed that instead of the usual Bt. 199 - Bt. 203 on the meter, it was Bt. 255. When I board an airport taxi, I always make sure the meter is reset to Bt. 35, as some drivers do start the meter when they park and wait for passengers. On this occasion, the driver definitely switched the meter on after putting my bag in the trunk.

 

Seeing the excess, I checked the meter more carefully. Waiting time was only 1 minute, but the distance showed several kilometers more than I'd expect. I spoke to the driver and indicated the meter, but he shrugged off my suggestion that there was something wrong. By the time I got home, the total on the meter was about Bt. 60 more than I'd usually pay for a speedy return. I paid him that amount exactly plus the Bt. 50 surcharge (which is not recorded on any meters to my knowledge) but noted the exact reading for time and distance, and made it clear by pointing to the complaints form you get from the dispatcher that I would be complaining.

 

The next morning, I was about to complete the form and send it off when I checked it more carefully. I noticed that this driver had been clocked in arriving at the airport around 9:40pm. So he'd had to wait more than 90 minutes before he got a passenger. As Bt. 60 in no way compensates for such a long time, I just decided to abandon the complaint and put it down to experience. A few days later, I wondered if this was the right thing to do, as whoever owns that taxi is clearly raking in an extra 25% or so in fares. But by then I'd thrown away the complaint form!

 

In well over 150 trips to and from both airports in the last 10 years, this was the first occasion when I think I was overcharged. Would other readers complain - or just forget about it, as I did?

[Gaybutton]

If it were me I would probably just forget about it.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I would complain in an effort to stop taxis overcharging.

[Guest badcdn]

A few months ago I came across these discussions on the Thaivisa forum..

 

Anotherday - Another (public) Taxi Scam - Thailand Forum

 

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Strange-Happenings-Airport-Taxies-t317003.html&st=25&p=3249934?do=findComment&comment=3249934

 

The jist, rigged meters.

 

I'm not sure if this is what happened to you, but regardless, tourists now have to be on guard for this new scam.

 

Included in the second link, is a You Tube video, someone actually caught it on video. The meter amount is increasing even though they're parked at a gas station.

 

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[Guest fountainhall]

Included in the second link, is a You Tube video, someone actually caught it on video. The meter amount is increasing even though they're parked at a gas station

The You Tube video clearly shows the mileage increasing even thought the taxi is at a standstill. This seems to have been the same scam that I experienced. If it happens again, I will definitely send in a formal complaint.

[Guest MonkeySee]

I would not complain in an effort to stop taxis overcharging. That is like pissing up a rope. I would forget it.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

That's how they get away with it, no one wants to complain. If enough people complain to the tourist police maybe, just maybe, something will be done.

[Guest]

Always complain.

Otherwise it will just become standard practice & the overcharging will increase.

 

I presume they haven't had a legitimate fare increase?

 

By the way, is the airport train fully operational now? Could be a good option to avoid overcharging, plus all the safety risks from travelling without seatbelts available.

[Guest fountainhall]

By the way, is the airport train fully operational now?

Still not open. There was a day of free rides in early December after which it was supposed to open. A further delay was then announced, I think because they realised they did not have enough drivers. So they had to hire more and send them to Germany for training! The latest delay is because they have discovered they do not have enough security staff. It's like one long running joke!

 

I remain to be convinced about the time saving and economics of the train, especially during peak travel times. I live in the centre of the city. A taxi takes about 30 minutes outside of rush hour; maybe 45-50 minutes at peak times. The express train trip will take 15 minutes and I understand will cost Bt. 150 - or about half the cost of a taxi out from the city (including the expressway tolls). First, though, you have to get to the terminal. If that means a taxi during peak rush hour, you could take a good 30 to 40 minutes to get there. Then if you have then just missed a train, you may have to wait the better part of an hour for the next one. So where's the time saving? Plus if there are two or more of you travelling, a taxi will also be much cheaper. So where's the cost saving?

 

If you plan to go to the main train terminal by the subway or Skytrain, I wish you lots of luck getting on to them. They are already jam-packed at rush hour. I can see no way they can presently accommodate additional passengers, especially those with backpacks and suitcases. I read recently that the Skytrain will finally start adding one extra carriage to 20 trains later this year. I don't know how many trains they run in total, but these certainly represent well under half their rolling stock. So you could easily still get stuck waiting for 2 or 3 trains before you can squeeze yourself on.

 

The cheaper alternative will be to use the airport commuter train with several stops en route. This only adds an extra 12 minutes to the journey and, according to one website, will cost between Bt. 30 and Bt. 50 depending on departure station.

 

When it opens, I'll try the new train. But I suspect I'll end up sticking with taxis.

 

Incidentally, there are many airport websites and it is difficult to know which one/s is/are official. e.g. -

 

http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com has absolutely nothing about the new express train service.

www.bangkokairportonline.com has vast chunks of out of date material but does have a section on the rail link

http://www.airportthai.co.th is only about airport hotels and transportation

http://bangkokairporttrain.com has a news release stating that service will now commence in July. Does it give any word on fares and frequency? No!

[Guest MonkeySee]

In well over 150 trips to and from both airports in the last 10 years, this was the first occasion when I think I was overcharged. Would other readers complain - or just forget about it, as I did?

 

Consider yourself lucky you have not had more taxi overcharges. One sixty baht overcharge in 10 years is pretty good. Complain if it makes you feel better, but for what? Sixty baht? It seems some people are not happy unless they are complaining. Call the tourist police if you think it will help, but I have a feeling your complaint would be like a drop in the ocean.

[KhorTose]

Still not open.

 

Great update and valuable information. Thanks. I think they will open soon and, as they are only 3+ years late, I guess they are doing well considering Thai time.

[Guest lvdkeyes]

Consider yourself lucky you have not had more taxi overcharges. One sixty baht overcharge in 10 years is pretty good. Complain if it makes you feel better, but for what? Sixty baht? It seems some people are not happy unless they are complaining. Call the tourist police if you think it will help, but I have a feeling your complaint would be like a drop in the ocean.

It is not the 60 baht that is the issue; it's a matter of being cheated. It's not a matter of complaining just for its own sake. Is it better to just stick your head in the sand and take the consequences? A head in the sand exposes you to attack from the rear end. If you enjoy getting fucked and not kissed, more power to you.

[Guest MonkeySee]

As I see it, it is a matter of priorities. If you are worried about some poor taxi driver cheating you out of 60 baht, then you really need to get a life. Some people do like to complain and want to make Thailand, just like their home country. I think it is rather sad. Wake up and smell the roses, you are living in paradise. Enjoy your life, instead of bitching and complaining all the time.

[Guest fountainhall]

Some people do like to complain and want to make Thailand, just like their home country. I think it is rather sad

I really think that is not the issue. Sure, there are bad apples in almost every country. For example, there are Hong Kong taxis who will take Japanese tourists on huge detours when all they want is a relatively cheap trip across the harbour. And do Japanese tourists complain? Hardly ever.

 

Like lvdkeyes, I dislike being cheated, especially when I see it happening right under my nose. Even though I did not complain in this instance (and I did feel sorry for the driver having to wait so long for a fare), it is, with respect, ridiculous to suggest that complaining about something which is wrong and which, in the case of a doctored meter, is going to 'do' a lot more Thais than it is westerners and tourists, is evidence of making Thailand "just like their home country". Come on!

[Gaybutton]

Clint Eastwood to New York taxi driver: "How many stores named Bloomingdale's are in this city?"

 

Taxi driver: "One. Why?"

 

Clint Eastwood: "On the way over here we passed it twice."

 

Taxi driver (with 'I got caught' sheepish smile): "It's still $3.95, including luggage fee."

 

Clint Eastwood: "Here's $4.00, including tip."

 

- 'Coogan's Bluff'

[Guest MonkeySee]

Nobody likes being cheated. I also hate the two-tiered price structure many Asian countries use. My point is look at the big picture and don't worry about the small stuff. Why raise your blood pressure over sixty baht. I certainly did not say complaining is wrong. Complainers will not be happy unless they complain, but I don't want to be around those type of people. Too much negativity for my liking. If they think they can change the world by complaining, have at it.

[Guest fountainhall]

Too much negativity for my liking. If they think they can change the world by complaining, have at it.

Yes, we should all be more positive, I agree. But I hope the complainers don't stop, otherwise this Board will virtually die!

[Guest lvdkeyes]

I don't complain unless I have a valid reason to complain and my blood pressure is perfect. You see, I don't hold things inside; that causes elevated blood pressure, not responsibly letting it out.

[Guest]

As I see it, it is a matter of priorities. If you are worried about some poor taxi driver cheating you out of 60 baht, then you really need to get a life.

 

If I am cheated and there is a mechanism for complaining, I shall complain on principle.

That's why they give you a form at the airport & that's what I pay the extra 50 baht for.

If everyone turns a blind eye to such crimes, then before we know it every taxi will do the same and the overcharging will be a few hundred baht.

 

I fundamentally do not approve of theft. Back in the UK, I hear the bus drive on our local route sometimes gives people half price children's tickets, but charges the full adult price. If he pockets the difference, that's theft, for which he should be sacked.

 

I WOULD complain to the bus company, if it happened to me. Some of us have principles.

[Guest joseph44]

I live in Bangkok since a week or 2 and on the 8-4-2010 I need a taxi to Suvarnabhumi.

What do I do: Phone 02-4242222 (a number I saw on the rear-window of a cab) and order a taxi for a specific time? Should I fix the price or tell on the phone that it should metered? I live approx. 20 km from Suvarnabuhmi and it will be a 15 min ride.

[Guest fountainhall]

on the 8-4-2010 I need a taxi to Suvarnabuhmi.

What do I do: Phone 02-4242222 (a number I saw on the rear-window of a cab) and order a taxi for a specific time? Should I fix the price or tell on the phone that it should metered?

If you are staying in a hotel, ask the hotel to get a meter cab for you. If not, just get a taxi on the street. Most drivers are prepared to go out to the airport. If you do call a cab, check that it is a meter taxi before he comes to meet you. There are a lot of illegal 'taxis' operating in private cars who will charge a lot more than a meter taxi. In addition to the meter fare, you will have to pay the expressway tolls. These will be between Bt. 25 and Bt. 80 depending on where you depart and which of the two expressways the taxi takes.

 

As a guide, I live 30 kms from Suvarnabhumi and the ride is usually 30 minutes. The meter fare for me is usually around Bt. 230 - 240 and the tolls Bt. 65.