LTFRB to strictly enforce taxi meter scheme starting June 1

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will strictly implement the directive for the issuance of receipts in taxis starting June 1, the opening of classes.

LTFRB Regional Director Romulo Bernardes said taxi units whose plate numbers end in 1 and 6 shall be issuing receipts using the taxi metered receipt but those whose plate numbers end in other numerals may just issue a receipt manually.

Ryan Benjamin Yu, managing director of the Cebu Integrated Transport Services Cooperative, said they are hoping to beat the deadline.

Bernardes reminded taxi operators and drivers that a fine of P1,500 shall be imposed on the first offense. Second time offenders will face suspension for 30 days while third time offenders will face cancellation of their franchise to operate.

The receipt shall include the date and time of travel and the plate number of the taxi unit.

This receipt scheme, which is seen to address the problem of overcharging, must be approved by the Bureau of Internal Revenue before LTFRB would allow the registration of a taxi unit.

The implementation of the receipt scheme is aimed at protecting the commuters who have been victims of taxi units with fast or rigged meters. The scheme is also aimed at monitoring and eventually improving revenue collection.

Aside from the implementation of the receipt scheme, the LTFRB and the BIR will also require taxi operators to submit income tax returns.

There are over 33,000 taxi units in the Philippines. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)