Ang mahal kong Taxi

MARCH5 was the first day that the fare adjustment for taxi cabs was implemented where the rate is now P13.50 per kilometer from P2.00 for every 200 meters, and P2.00 for every minute of running time from P2.00 per minute of waiting time. The flagdown rate remained the same.

Those with plate numbers ending with 1, 2 or 3 are those that were required to have their meters calibrated during the month of March. However, a prerequisite for calibration is the installation of GPS, CCTV, Dashboard Camera and WIFI. I was earlier informed that these may be installed including the calibration for a package amount of P10,000, but a taxi driver told me the other day that they may be sourced from different suppliers. In doing so, it would cost around P11,000. These amounts excluding the fee that needs to be paid to LTO amounting to P1,500 or so.

This is a huge cash outlay especially for the smaller operators. Although, of course, accountants would classify this outlay as a capital expenditure. Nevertheless, it is sizeable. That is why, the cab I rode has already installed the dashcam and cctv even if the taxi is not due for calibration until May. That way, he can spread his costs over a longer period rather than spending one time-big time.

These expenditures, coupled with spare parts price increases, would prompt the operators to hike the drivers quota (a.k.a. boundary). This, including the almost weekly fuel price increase, would, in turn, result to lower (sometimes almost none) take home of our dear drivers after a 24-hour shift. On the side of the commuter, this takes a toll on their budget as well. I am a regular taxi patron and the average increase in my fare for the regular routes I take is P25, and the highest increase was P50. For a regular employee, the higher fares are heavy on my budget. I can