New taxi fares next month

Transportation officials admitted yesterday that the petition by Metro Manila taxi operators to increase the flagdown rate from P25 to P30 will most likely be granted.

While she declined to reveal the actual decision on the petition for a flagdown rate increase filed by the Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairwoman Ma. Elena Bautista admitted that they were preparing for the massive "re-sealing" of taxi meters at the end of this month.

"We already have a draft resolution. It will come out anytime soon. Let’s just wait for the release of the resolution," Bautista said yesterday at a press conference.

She said that the release of their decision on the petition would be at the end of this month at the earliest. After its issuance, Bautista said that there would be a 15-day publication period.

"So it will be by the first half of October," Bautista said.

However, Bautista and Transportation Undersecretary Arturo Valdez both admitted that they were now making plans for the accommodation of taxis in the LTFRB and Land Transportation Office (LTO) in its head offices at East Avenue in Quezon City.

The approval of the flagdown rate increase will mean that meters of taxi units will have to be adjusted and calibrated.

Valdez said that the calibration will be undertaken by accredited shops of the LTFRB. – Rainier Allan Ronda