‘Coding’ for DOT-accredited taxis

To prevent abuses by taxi drivers, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has implemented a color-coding system for tourism-accredited taxis stationed at the airports, seaports and hotels in Metro Manila.

With the new system, Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said, erring taxis could easily be tracked down and make them liable together with their operators."

"Taxi units will have an assigned color and names instead of the usual taxi names," Gordon added. He noted the measure would surely minimize abuses by taxi drivers, particularly over-charging.

The taxi system was made possible after the DOT, Department of Transportation and Communication, Manila International Airport Authority and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the project.

"The unit will have its body number printed in a prescribed colored background based on the type, such as red for metered taxis, blue for coupon taxis and green for shuttle services," Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab explained.

He added that all drivers of accredited taxis are required to wear identification cards and prescribed uniforms with their surname printed at front and back.

Gordon said passengers can now easily identify abusive drivers of the DOT-accredited taxis and report them to the Tourism Hotline at 5241728 and 5241703.

Once traced, the cab driver and operator will be made answerable to the complaint, which could mean revocation of their franchise.

Records showed that a number of local and foreign tourists have complained of over-charging by some unscrupulous taxi drivers at the airport. – Cecille Suerte Felipe