No taxi fare hike until Sinulog
The implementation of the new taxi fare rates will start after the Sinulog in Cebu.
Ahmed Cuizon, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7, revealed yesterday that this was the agreement reached among taxi operators in Cebu.
The Sinulog in Cebu is scheduled for the third Sunday of this month.
Ryan Yu, general manager and president of CITRASCO said that they are still in the process of purchasing the equipment required for the recalibration of their taxi units like dashboard cameras.
In October last year, LTFRB approved a new taxi fare rate. The flag down rate is P40 and succeeding rate is P13.50 for every kilometer instead of P3.50 for every 300 meters. The P3.50 rate for every two minutes of waiting time is no longer in effect but commuters will be charged P2 for every minute of their travel time.
Because of the new taxi fare rate, LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular Number 2017-026 or the implementing guidelines for calibration and sealing/ resealing of taxi meter for 2017 fare adjustment.
Under the memorandum, prior to the calibration and sealing/resealing of a taxi unit, it must be equipped with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, free WI-Fi, CCTV with a 72-hour continuous recording feature, a dashboard camera and online digital platforms.
The LTFRB has scheduled taxi meter calibration and sealing/resealing starting December until May 2018.
The Metro Cebu Taxi Operators Association is willing to comply with all the requirements under the PUV modernization of the Department of Transportation even if it would entail additional expenses on its part.
The memorandum sets specific dates for the calibration, sealing/resealing of the taxi meters in the National Capital Region while the regional offices is given a free hand in coming up with their own schedule
"All regional offices except NCR with taxi services within their regions shall be responsible to the scheduling of the calibration within their area of jurisdiction," the memorandum reads.