EDITORIAL - Unsafe ride

For a nation that has been trying to draw more tourists, this problem should have been dealt with decisively a long time ago. But it’s probably better late than never: the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is requiring taxi operators to submit the names of their drivers and secure identification cards, with penalties for those who refuse to comply.

The LTFRB directive was issued following a spike in robberies and other crimes involving taxi drivers. Foreigners, particularly the Koreans who make up nearly a third of all tourist arrivals in the Philippines, have long complained of being victimized by cab drivers. With the new directive, cabbies must display the ID tags prominently in their units. Violators will be fined P5,000. 

Robbery is not the only threat to taxi passengers in Metro Manila. Despite efforts to stop the practice, cabbies continue to cheat passengers especially foreign visitors, by negotiating fares instead of using taxi meters. Transportation officials have also reported receiving complaints about rude and arrogant cabbies.

Even from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where there are accredited taxis waiting outside the arrival lounge, there are cabs without accreditation that lurk nearby. Like the international airport, taxi rides from the NAIA and from the hotels where visitors are staying contribute to travelers’ first impressions of the Philippines.

Local passengers encounter similar problems, adding to the factors that discourage people from leaving their cars at home to reduce vehicular density in Metro Manila. Cabbies are notorious for rudeness in many countries, but there are worse complaints in the Philippines. Local taxi drivers have been accused of using sprays to put passengers to sleep before robbing them. There have been complaints even of rape, with a driver and his alleged cohorts arrested recently.

The LTFRB directive to keep tabs on cabbies should be followed by other measures to make taxi rides comfortable and safe. The Philippines takes pride in its hospitality. This should be reflected in taxi rides.