LTO summons 3,500 cabbies over riders’ complaints

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned 3,500 taxi drivers in various parts of Metro Manila for their alleged refusal to convey passengers, particularly during rush hours or rainy days.

Fernando Quiambao, executive assistant of LTO chief Reynaldo Berroya, said the “Oplan Isnabero” campaign is also directed at arrogant and abusive drivers.

“So far (the LTO) already sent summons to more than 3,000 drivers in the past two months,” Quiambao told The STAR.

He added that they continue to receive complaints from taxi riders all over Metro Manila through Task Force Isnabero hotline 0927-9366777.

Among the most common complaints are refusing to convey passengers, fast meters and arrogant drivers.

Quiambao said at least 20 taxi drivers are reporting to the LTO central office daily to confront the allegations hurled against them.

He said, however, that most drivers summoned failed to show up. The LTO stores their names in a database for future action.

Quiambao said they have also impounded 40 taxicabs with questionable registration papers. They are still checking with the Traffic Management Group (TMG) to determine whether the taxicabs are on the list of stolen vehicles.

Quiambao said taxi operators who ignored the summons were also listed in the LTO database and will be dealt with accordingly when they renew the registration of their vehicles.  – Perseus Echeminada