Bangkok to Crackdown on Illegal Motorbike Services

Grab Bike and Uber MOTO motorcycle taxi service providers in Bangkok face legal action unless they halt their activities.

Representatives of the two companies were hauled before transport and police authorities to be told of the regulations governing motorcycle taxi services.

Previously the two companies had ignored warnings that their activities were illegal. Now they face a crackdown and the threat of heavy fines.

An official said Grab Bike and Uber MOTO services are unfair to the traditional motorcycle taxi services which are governed by rules laid down by the National Council for Peace and Order.

He explained that motorcycle taxi drivers must have a special licence; a vest, an ID card and their vehicles must be registered for use in public transport services.

Uber later confirmed it has temporarily suspended its UberMoto pilot service in Bangkok following pressure from regulators.