BMA urged to build its own motorcycle ride-hailing app

According to the council, both bikers and people deserve a substitute for conventional platforms.

Motorcycle taxi drivers join a campaign against drugs in Bangkok on Jan 21, 2024. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
On January 21, 2024, motorbike taxi drivers in Bangkok add a drug-freeze campaign. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

A member of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) has requested that a new application be developed to call motorcycle taxis in order to provide safety and fair prices for passengers.

Bang Rak district representative Viput Srivaurai argued that the BMA may make the most of innovation and technology to improve motorcycle taxi service. This might involve developing a data management system to organize providers and gather information about individuals and their vehicles.

He also emphasized the need for a ride-hailing service that offers fair prices to give people with an accessible alternative mode of transportation that is both safe and convenient, and that includes easy access to bike vehicles.

According to Mr. Viput, for a company would also allow motorcycle taxi drivers to demand lower rates than what they would have to pay for using platforms like Grab to provide their services.

Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt said the BMA now has a collection of scooter taxi services, which includes data about locations of support points, the number of drivers, their Card numbers, licensing plate numbers, fares, and so on.

However, the database cannot be shared with the public due to the Personal Data Protection Act ( PDPA ), he said.

There are now around 5, 300 motorbike taxi service positions and 80, 000 registered vehicles in Bangkok.

Denial of service, absurd fares, and drivers ‘ inappropriate behavior are some of the most frequent issues that people experience when using a motorbike taxi service.