BANGKOK -- Traveling on two wheels is often the best way to maneuver through Thailand's notorious traffic. However, the Department of Land Transport has put the brakes on motorbike-hailing services offered by Uber and Grab barely two months after they started.
Department of Land Transport official Nanthapong Cherdchoo said both UberMoto and Singapore-based GrabBike were operating illegally and their privately owned motorcycles lacked proper registration as public transport vehicles. The department warned the two companies last week that they could face harsh legal action if they continue their services.
Uber said it will fight to continue its experiment with a motorcycle-hailing service.
Motorcycle taxis are ubiquitous in Bangkok, with drivers licensed by the government. Commuters hop on behind the driver and usually travel short distances. But many commuters are reluctant to use them because of safety issues. Uber and Grab added a new dimension to that service by equipping drivers with their mobile-phone app and promising safe rides. Many motorcycle taxi drivers have been upset by the new competition.
GrabBike appeared to be continuing its operations last week despite the Department of Land Transport order, with clients still able to request rides on the Grab smartphone app.