LTFRB needs to set taxi meters to new rate

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 to consider recalibrating all taxi meters to reflect automatically the P10 reduction in flagdown rate.

The body said this is to avoid confusion and conflict between the passenger and the driver.

On March 6, 2015, the LTFRB issued an order for the reduction of the flagdown rate to P30 from P40, while the startup fare of airport taxis was reduced to P60 from P70. The rollback was due to the low prices of oil in the world market.

The order took effect on March 9, 2015. Since the rollback is provisional, the P30 and P60 flagdown rates are not yet reflected in the taxi meters, so passengers would have to ask for P10 deduction of whatever amount reflected in the meter.

The Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 provides penalties of P1,000 for the driver and P5,000 for the operator should they be found guilty of violating the directive. However, the legislative body noted that despite the order, some drivers “blatantly and deliberately violate” the order by refusing to deduct P10 from the total fare.

“Some even resolve to violent reactions or threats. This august body finds it necessary to request the office of the LTFRB to reflect on recalibrating the taxi meters in the province to prevent any further arguments which may result to violent confrontations between the driver and the passenger,” the body stated in a resolution.

The PB pointed out the incident that transpired in Cebu City recently involving a cabbie who allegedly threatened his passengers with a knife after they reminded him of the P10 fare reduction.

With this, the body also requested the LTFRB to consider revoking the license of the said driver if found out that the allegation is true.

“Such attitude destroys the image of all taxi drivers in the province and could affect the livelihood of prudent drivers as commuters may be afraid to ride taxis as they may find it unsafe,” the body said.

“If confirmed, the revocation of the driver’s license of the driver shall serve as an example to other abusive and notorious drivers who taints such an honest profession,” it added.

Further, the PB called on the LTFRB to provide mobile numbers rather than the landline as hotline numbers so commuters would have easy access and convenience in lodging their complaints.— (FREEMAN)