Phuket

Nicke · #1 21-09-2004, 17:40

Phuket plans light rail services

PHUKET: -- The Phuket authorities are planning to build a light-rail system on the resort island province to try to solve the worsening traffic congestion.

The Phuket provincial authorities have agreed to a development master plan, which includes a light-rail project, a senior local government official, Anchalee Vanichthepabutr told TNA on Monday.

An estimated 10 billion baht will be needed to fund the large mass-transit project, Mrs Anchalee said.

It was unlikely that there were be any state assistance for the project in the near future, she added.

The provincial authorities are expected to establish a company to run the project, Mrs Anchalee said.

Phuket residents would be invited to buy shares in the company, which would also seek interest-free loans to finance the project, she said.

According to a study by Prince of Songkla University, there are four possible routes for the light-rail project -- from the Phuket Airport to the Karon Beach, from the Patong Beach to the inner city, from the airport to the inner city, and a city ring route.

Mrs. Anchalee said the most feasible routes were from the Phuket Airport to the Patong and Karon beaches, and the city ring route.

-- TNA 2004-09-20

Bobby · #2 21-09-2004, 18:51

A good idea but a bus shutlle between beaches (ie: Patong - Karon) may also be great.

marc26 · #3 21-09-2004, 18:52

thats funny, for some reason i was thinking about that being a good idea the other day, a light rail

Josssie · #4 21-09-2004, 18:59

The good thing about this is that the planning and maybe doing it. Even better is that when we all be like 70 years old they finished the project.
So I think there timing is perfect to start this century

stevem · #5 21-09-2004, 19:04

I'll believe this when I see it, but I'm not holding my breath.

Josssie · #6 21-09-2004, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevem

I'll believe this when I see it, but I'm not holding my breath.

Exactly Stevem, that's my point.

However, for what I have seen last few years in building things in Patong, when they finally start building it can go very quickly..... But like you said, first seeeeeee.....

Nicke · #7 21-09-2004, 19:12

Yes, that would be the best solution and people have tried. In one case the service lasted just for an hour or so before the tuk tuk mafia beated up the driver of the bus.

The problem here is that the tuk tuk's will not allow any buses to go between the beaches. Meter taxis is not allowed to pick up guests from Patong either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby

A good idea but a bus shutlle between beaches (ie: Patong - Karon) may also be great.

Bobby · #8 21-09-2004, 20:00

I agree Nicke, that's what I had in mind when I wrote my post...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

Yes, that would be the best solution and people have tried. In one case the service lasted just for an hour or so before the tuk tuk mafia beated up the driver of the bus.

The problem here is that the tuk tuk's will not allow any buses to go between the beaches. Meter taxis is not allowed to pick up guests from Patong either.

marc26 · #9 21-09-2004, 20:04

just from my 3 visits to patong this year i believe that patong is going to become very modern in the next 5 years. i think you will see more upscale bars and restaurants and other businesses

IRISH JONNY · #10 21-09-2004, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc26

just from my 3 visits to patong this year i believe that patong is going to become very modern in the next 5 years. i think you will see more upscale bars and restaurants and other businesses

U SHUD HAVE SEEN IT 5 YEARS AGO..............
SOME DIFFERENCE NOW...AND MANY LONG TIME EXPATS COULD GO BACK AWAY LONGER IN TIME.........PATONG IS CHANGING EVERY DAY..............
JONNY