Taxi fare hike takes effect
CALIBRATION STARTED MARCH 5
COMMUTERS in Baguio City and Benguet are set to bear the brunt of the new taxi fare rate approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in the Cordillera region. Acting LTFRB Chief Development Officer Robert Pocais pointed out the new fare rate was released by their central office based on the petitions of taxi operators, which also included the inclusion of gadgets listed under the public utility vehicle modernization program.
"The adjustment on flag down rate which was approved by the LTFRB central office in October last year
starts with the regular P35 flag down rate with the addition of a P13.50 per kilometer rate, and a P2 per minute of travel time rate from origin to destination," Pocais explained.
The existing fare rate is P35 flag down rate plus P2 per 200 meters, and an additional P2 per minute of waiting time.
The new taxi fare rate is only applicable to taxis which have un- meter calibration process of the LTFRB which started on March 5.
"Since the start of calibration, we recorded around 49 taxis being calibrated per day. All calibrated and tested meters of taxis can be identified with the pertinent seal and sticker placed on the upper right side of the windshield. There is also no reason for taxi drivers not to issue receipts or else, they will have to face a P5,000 fine for the operator and an additional P1,000 fine from the driver," Pocais stressed.
Meanwhile, all calibrated taxi units will have to be equipped with the mandatory gadgets stated under the public utility vehicle modernization program.
"The LTFRB central office have accredited 19 to 20 GPS, dash cameras, CCTV, wifi gadget providers and suppliers which underwent testing and demonstration, and have past the requirements stated by the board," the Transportation Development Officer stated.
The LTFRB has yet to receive order from the central office to defer the implementation of PUVM program despite request by local operators to recommend for the deferment of the program due to financial constraints.