The Department of Land Transport (DLT) will expand services allowing motorcycle riders to register as bike taxi service providers and obtain certification for using yellow-plated public motorcycles.
DLT deputy director-general and spokesman Seksom Akraphand said motorcycle taxi riders can now submit applications at Bangkok Transportation Offices Area 1-5 or district offices where they work.
Once approved, riders can register their motorcycles as public vehicles and receive yellow licence plates for their motorbikes.
After registration, riders must operate in their registered areas and are prohibited from renting, selling, or letting others use their riders’ vests, he said.
Additionally, they must work consistently for at least six months within a year and avoid operating at stands where they are not registered. Misconduct such as driving on pavements, drinking alcohol, or gambling at stands can result in licence revocation or removal of the stands from the list.
Mr Seksom encourages the public to use only registered motorcycle taxis for safety and fair pricing. Legal indicators include a yellow licence plate, a valid public driving licence, and insurance coverage.
Riders must also pass a criminal background check. Information on their riders’ vests, cards, and licence plates must match.
Citizens are urged to report any illegal activities or misconduct by motorcycle taxi riders via the DLT’s 24-hour 1584 hotline, he said.