Taxi terrorism
August 19, 2006 | 12:00am
My column last week about a family’s harrowing vacation experience in Palawan elicited a slew of e-mails from readers. All expressed concern about safety while traveling. Some asked for spots in the Philippines to avoid while others who had visited Palawan pointed out that the province (and indeed most of the Philippines) really has specific destinations worth visiting if judged by its wealth of natural wonders alone.
There lies the rub – what good are breathtaking sights if you are out of breath even before you get there? Many journeys (like BEH’s in the article last week) produce terror, not a treasure trove of memories. This issue of terror in travel was brought up by several readers in relation to a subject seemingly far from Palawan but even more prevalent and widespread it seems – taxi terrorism.
I know that our taxi drivers are not the most polite and accommodating in the world. They are known to choose their fares and take advantage of hapless commuters at peak hours or during inclement weather. The disease apparently has spread and needs to be stemmed. Below is a sampling of the feedback I received.
First from a local reader SS:
"I just finished reading your column today on Palawan. I completely agree that if we are to boost our country’s tourism industry, we must do something about the infrastructure.
"I would like to write to you about the taxis in Manila vis-à-vis the taxis in other countries. Taxis are staples in any city. Even people who have their own cars use taxis from time to time. I have such horrible experiences with Manila’s taxis that I try to avoid them altogether. Manila’s taxi drivers are atrociously unprofessional in almost all possible aspects.
"There are taxi drivers who ask for – and even demand – dagdag from their passengers. They choose passengers and turn down those going to destinations they don’t like. They don’t dress properly and they drive like maniacs. They don’t give the exact change or pretend they don’t have change. They expect a huge tip and if they don’t get it, they have a horrible and dangerous display of ill temper (they drive off without waiting for the passenger to safely get off the car).
"But I believe that taxi drivers are most unscrupulous towards foreigners. One of my Korean friends complained how his taxi driver took him around in circles and his trip cost twice as much. Another British friend remarked that the taxis seem to always forget to turn on the meter. One time, this particular friend caught the driver intentionally turning the meter off! Without a meter, foreigners have a tendency to overpay, much to the greedy delight of the drivers.
"I remember GMA talking about training our front-liners in the tourism industry. She was referring to the immigration officials and other airport staff who greet the foreigners first. But I believe that taxi drivers are also front-liners. I am very impressed with the taxi drivers in Tokyo. They are very professional in the way they deal with their passengers. They are courteous and helpful. They issue receipts and they give you the exact change, even to the last cent. In Xiamen, taxi drivers also issue receipts and give exact change. Once I met a taxi driver whose meter ran too fast, I just pulled out his conspicuously displayed official identification card and gave it to the porters at the hotel I went to, who immediately attended to the problem.
"The government must do something to regulate all the taxis. Otherwise, they will be the bane in our tourism industry."
Yes, taxi drivers and other unprofessional segments of our tourism workforce may spell the premature death of WOW in the Philippines.
Next, a letter from a foreigner who has been victimized once too often by our taxis:
"I recently read your article on ‘Peril in Palawan’ while holidaying with my family in Cebu and would like to suggest that you add another item to your long list of reasons as to why the Philippines is not reaching its potential as a popular tourist destination: rogue taxi drivers.
"I am British, my wife is Filipino and we have two children. I have traveled to the Philippines on several occasions in the last 15 years and invariably we have always had a bad experience with taxi drivers trying to extort money from us, particularly in Manila. The typical scam is flagging down a metered taxi and asking him to use the meter, which he then ‘forgets’ to turn on and subsequently tries to charge you an extremely inflated rate compared to what the metered rate would have been. It then becomes a battle of nerves between who will back down first and I suspect that in many cases tourists will feel threatened and pay the inflated fare.
"In the past, I have been requested to pay varying amounts up to US$25 for a trip from Makati to the International Airport in a ‘metered’ taxi. Our latest trip resulted in a big argument between the driver and my wife in which he accused her of ‘disadvantaging him’ when she eventually gave him P100 for the trip. My wife tells me that this practice is not only bestowed on foreigners but also Filipino passengers and if it is so endemic, I have to question why nobody in authority is putting a stop to it.
"I have no knowledge of the taxi licensing controls in the Philippines, but surely a system could be established whereby the actions of these rogue taxi drivers could be reported to the authorities and for repeat offenders to have their licenses revoked.
"Finally, I would like to add that with the exception of these so-called ‘professional drivers,’ I have always found the Filipino people very friendly and have enjoyed my visits to your country. Unfortunately, first impressions count for a lot and I suspect that when most visitors are placed in situations in which they find themselves being extorted or threatened just after arriving in a strange country, they will not only think twice about returning but will probably relay their experience to friends who will then be inclined to go elsewhere."
Yes, the best marketing for tourism is word of mouth. This has now evolved into a more extensive network linked in cyberspace. Blogs and chat groups form the venue for people to determine where the best places to go are and which countries or destinations to avoid. Believe you me, the Philippines is in the second category because of our amazing disregard for shoring up the basics of tourism.
Finally, a parting letter from RS to still make a case for Palawan as paradise.
"I sympathize with BEH and can feel her frustration. The article reveals the need to improve the infrastructure plus the proper training of guides. It may be suggested that a warning be given to all who take the Underground River Tour that this is for the hardy, adventurous traveler only. In this age of text messaging, an alternative to this tour should be ready as an option in case of inclement weather, etc.
"Let me just emphasize that Palawan is still a jewel of a place and we are thankful to the Lord that such a place is within easy commute from Manila and most cities in the Philippines. For those who have not been there, I hope your article will not deter them from going to Puerto Princesa and discover the many other beautiful spots it offers. It has the best assortment of fish and corals for any novice snorkeler. The local government has kept the place clean and orderly. The people are all nice and hospitable.
Well, RS, nice and hospitable most of the inhabitants are, but those who are charged with the safety and well-being of travelers – tourist guides and taxi drivers – have been found lacking. When will they change? When can we all, not just tourists, expect good service from taxis and tour operators? If we don’t soon, we (and all foreign visitors) might as well stay home.
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