Terminal system for FX cabs eyed

Soon, jeepney won’t have to compete with FX taxis for commuters.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a study is now being conducted to find out if it would be possible for all FX taxis operating nationwide to only pick up and unload passengers between terminals and not operate like passenger jeepneys.

By operating between terminals, FX drivers will also be permitted to collect fares on a per passenger basis similar to what passenger jeepney drivers are now doing.

LTFRB Chairwoman Maria Elena Bautista told reporters during the weekly Sulo Hotel forum yesterday that all FX taxis, including the so-called "mega" taxis are not allowed to operate like passenger jeepneys as this would violate their franchises.

Bautista said that at present, there are at least 50,000 FX taxis that illegally operate like passenger jeepneys in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

According to Bautista, FX taxis, at the moment, are not allowed to display signboards, pick up and transport passengers along a route in the same manner that passenger jeepneys do.

"This has been a major complaint by passenger jeepney operators who said they are losing passengers to these FX taxis. They (FX drivers) cannot operate like passenger jeepneys and charge on a per passenger basis. They must use their meters and operate like a normal taxi. They are all violating their franchises," said Bautista.

Bautista said that once the terminal system is in effect, FX taxis will be allowed to pick up passengers at designated terminals and charge fares accordingly, but will not be allowed to pick up or unload passengers along the way like passenger jeepneys.

According to Bautista, passengers who are going to points in between the "FX express" terminals will have to ride the jeepneys.

Bautista said a survey, which is a part of the study, would be conducted by the LTFRB on March 15. The survey intends to find out if there is a need to open new routes and terminals for the FX taxis operating in Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Bulacan and Laguna.

At present, there are some FX taxis that operate between terminals, but also pick up passengers along the way.

Bautista added that the LTFRB study also aims to arrive at a fare matrix.