Phuket’s Boat Taxi Pilot Project Faces Postponement
Phuket’s long-awaited boat taxi pilot project has experienced a delay, with the trial period now set to begin on December 15 and conclude by December 30. This postponement was announced by Governor Saransak Srikruanet during a press conference held on Friday. The delay allows for additional planning and preparation to ensure the project meets its goals of easing traffic congestion on the island.
The service is designed to provide an alternative to road travel, especially in areas that are heavily trafficked by tourists. Initially, the boat taxi will operate along the west coast of Phuket, connecting Nai Yang Beach—located near Phuket International Airport—with Patong Beach. This route is expected to serve as a crucial link between key tourist spots and the airport, offering a more efficient and scenic mode of transport.
Expanding the Network
In the long term, the project aims to establish a network of 14 stops along the west coast of Phuket. These stops will include some of the island’s most popular beaches, such as Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Karon, Kata, Kamala, and Nai Harn. The plan is to create a comprehensive transportation system that reduces reliance on road infrastructure and improves connectivity for both residents and visitors.
A working group focused on transport and logistics integration has approved the installation of temporary floating piers at key departure and arrival points. Additionally, they have discussed the criteria for licensing passenger boats operating on the pilot route. This step is essential to ensure that the service is safe, efficient, and compliant with local regulations.
Governor’s Vision for the Future
Governor Saransak emphasized that the boat taxi system could become a vital alternative to Phuket’s increasingly congested roads. “If we cannot accommodate visitors efficiently, repeat tourism will inevitably decline,” he said. “But by improving connectivity and travel convenience, we can enhance visitors’ experiences and encourage them to return.”
He also highlighted that the project’s continuation will depend on several factors, including safety, legality, and overall feasibility. “If the risks outweigh the benefits, whether for tourists, operators or the environment, we must be ready to discontinue it,” he added. At the same time, he acknowledged that road-based solutions, such as expansions and expressways, remain long-term undertakings.
Preparations Are Underway
Preparations for the trial are progressing steadily. Private partners are providing temporary equipment, while the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning is finalizing designs for provisional piers. These efforts are critical to ensuring that the pilot project runs smoothly and meets all necessary standards.
The Phuket Urban Development Alliance, in collaboration with an academic institution and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency, will collect and analyze data during the trial period. This data will be used to assess the project’s effectiveness, safety, and regulatory compliance. The goal is to gather insights that can inform future decisions about expanding the service.
Route Details and Potential Impact
The full route of the boat taxi service will stretch 16 nautical miles (about 31 kilometers) and take approximately 40 minutes per trip. A preliminary study identified 14 potential pier sites on the island, including Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Karon, Kata, Kamala, and Nai Harn beaches. These locations were chosen based on their high tourist traffic and strategic importance.
The success of this pilot project could pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient transportation system on Phuket. By reducing the number of vehicles on the roads, the project may help alleviate traffic congestion and improve the overall visitor experience.