Compromise in enforcement of taxi meter scheme sought

CEBU, Philippines - With several taxi groups in Manila planning to increase rates to cover for the expense in implementing the “Special Taxi Metering System,” the City Council is asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to consider moving the date in implementing the system.

Supporting a resolution passed by Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, the council said LTFRB and the local taxi operators should arrive at a compromise on the deadline of implementation so that the burden of cost in implementing the system should not be passed on the passengers.

The taxi groups in Manila are reportedly increasing their rates so they could come up with the P12,000 they need to implement the meter system, which LTFRB ordered to be implemented next month. Each taxi unit would need a new meter or cash registry machine to adopt the system.

“Giving taxi operators a month or two in order to allow them to make financing arrangements for the installation of the new taxi meters and cash machines can be a feasible solution provided LTFRB ensures that a fixed deadline is set for the implementation and with a signed compromise,” Pacaña said.

LTFRB ordered the adoption of the system after the Supreme Court approved its implementation upon suggestion of the Bureau of International Revenue, saying that the taxi sector is an “underground economy”.

The system is also aimed at protecting taxi riding commuters from alleged illegal activities of taxi drivers such as overcharging and meter tampering.

In an earlier interview with The Freeman, LTFRB Chairman Alberto Suansing said taxi operators or driver owners should be able to purchase the said new machines else non adherence would mean cancellation of their franchise for being incapacitated to sustain a transport system.

The gradual implementation of the meter receipt scheme will cover around 33,000 taxi cabs in Metro Manila and key cities across the country.

Operators of taxis with plate numbers ending in 1 and 6 will have to present their meter, approved by BIR before they can renew the registration of the vehicles.

The taxi meter scheme, initially scheduled last January, is expected to cover all taxis by yearend. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)