LTFRB exec: No taxi fare rollback yet

CEBU, Philippines- A transportation official in Central Visayas yesterday noted there is no existing taxi fare rollback decision just yet.

Rey Elnar, director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7, said the petition to reduce taxi fare remains pending amid the movement in the prices of fuel.

Rates of petroleum products went up last week following a streak of rollbacks in the past months.

“We will just wait until the prices of fuel will stabilize before coming up with the exact amount of fare reduction,” Elnar said.         Earlier, the Metro Cebu Taxi Operators vehemently opposed the call to reduce taxi fare, saying fuel price is not the only factor to consider when deciding on a fare rollback proposal.

In their opposition paper, MCTOA cited that although prices of fuel are getting low, prices of spare parts and accessories have remained the same.

To date, Cebu’s taxi fare is pegged at P40 for the flag-down rate which is good for 500-meter distance, and P3.50 for each succeeding 300 meters.

The taxi fare rollback petition was filed by Negros Oriental Representative Manuel Iway.

LTFRB has already been conducted two public hearings in Manila regarding the move.

Iway’s petition seeks for a P40 flag-down rate to be reduced to P30 and a further reduction of P1 or from P3.50 to P2.50 for each of the next succeeding 300 meters.

Elnar likewise recommended to the LTFRB head office to reduce taxi fare in Central Visayas by P10 for the flag-down rate only.  (FREEMAN)