Taxi fare hike takes effect

MANILA, Philippines - The new flagdown rate for taxicabs started yesterday, with operators lining up at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to have their taxis’ fare meters calibrated to reflect the fare increase.

LTFRB officials reminded commuters that only taxicabs with receipt-issuing fare meters and bearing license plates ending in 1 and 6 can impose the new flagdown rate of P40. Chairman Nelson Laluces said taxis whose meters have been calibrated will have LTFRB stickers on the left side of their windshield.

This yellow sticker has the logo of the LTFRB and states that the taxi has a receipt-issuing meter that has been inspected and sealed by the board, LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said yesterday.

According to Iway, 300 taxicabs can be accommodated every day for meter calibration.

Based on the guidelines issued by the LTFRB, the first batch of taxicabs that can avail of the new flagdown rate are those with plates ending in 1 and 6. These taxi units are scheduled for meter calibration starting yesterday until Feb. 14.

Apart from the flagdown rate hike, commuters will be charged P3.50 – an increase of P1 from the old rate – for every succeeding 300 meters.

The fare hike was imposed after the LTFRB approved a petition filed by the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association. It will implemented all over the country, except in Baguio City.