Rude, verbally abusive

Viral videos of rude, verbally abusive and threatening taxi drivers have been making the rounds online. First was a video of an obviously abusive taxi driver berating his female passenger with regards to a fifty peso change due to the passenger. The driver initially wanted to ask for a contracted price to ferry the female passenger, but she stood her ground and insisted on the meter being used. When they reached the destination, she paid the fare and was expecting change. This is when the driver shifts into Mr. Hyde mode.

He berates the passenger, hurls invectives and when he notices the whole incident being recorded on video, he even tries to physically harm her. Only when the commotion drew the attention of others did the driver speed away. Since the whole thing was caught on video, a complaint was lodged against the driver at the LTO. Both the driver and the taxi operator were summoned by the LTFRB. The driver is now singing a different tune. His voice has softened, doing his best to gain the sympathy of everyone, and even playing the usual kids-to-feed card. But from what I gather, the passenger will pursue the complaint, to teach the driver a lesson. And rightly so. If there was no video of the whole incident, this driver would just find another hapless female passenger to terrorize.

Another video has surfaced of yet another rude and abusive taxi driver. Almost the same thing. The driver wants more money outright and not based on the meter. It is illegal for taxi drivers to overcharge, instigate contracts for their services and even refuse passengers. The horrendous traffic is the usual rationale for asking for a bit more. I believe it's the passenger's prerogative if an additional fee or "tip" is given, most probably based on the kind of service they receive while being ferried. In these two cases, it is just right for the passengers to complain, and file cases. Is it any wonder why many are turning to app-based transportation services instead of the usual taxis nowadays? The fees may be more expensive, but the services are much more pleasant, not to mention that some drivers are actually retired professionals. A two-way rating system is also employed for the protection of  both passenger and operator. The vehicles are also more well maintained.

The licenses of both drivers and the franchises of both operators are in serious jeopardy. I would punish the drivers more, since they are directly involved in the complaints. There is no place in public service for the likes of these two drivers. They put their passengers at risk, are obviously oblivious to common courtesy, and just plain idiots. Their licenses must be revoked, forever. If they cannot stand the stresses of driving a cab in the Philippines, they do not belong inside one. As for the operators, I suggest they find a more discerning way to screen their drivers. Otherwise they lose their businesses to the trendier ways of getting around, not just Metro Manila but the whole country.

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