MANILA, Philippines – After almost eight years, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved the petition of several taxi groups to implement fare increase.
Based on the copy of the decision released by the LTFRB, it states that P40-flagdown rate will remain for the first 500 meter travel.
While charges for the succeeding kilometer will increase by P13.50 from the old fare structure of P3.50 for every 300 succeeding kilometers.
Meanwhile, the previous P3.50 charge for a two-minute waiting time on taxi, will now become P2 per minute.
“We understand that the last increase in the taxi fare was about eight years ago, and that there have been concerns on the part of the taxi operators na bumababa yung income nila, (about reduced income) and because of that yung mga taxi units nila (their taxi units) are under utilized kasi wala masyado driver na gustong magmaneho sa kanilang taxi unit ( not many drivers want to drive their taxi units) ,” LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra III said.
With this fare increase, LTFRB said, taxi operators will have the chance to improve their units as well as their services.
LTFRB plans to publish their decision on newspaper this Thursday, prior to the effectivity of the said fare adjustment.
However, drivers and operators still have to recalibrate and reseal their taxi meters.
On the other hand, LTFRB Chairman warned taxi drivers who will take advantage despite the fare hike.
“We would just like to appeal to them na tigilan na nila yan (to stop it).We’re giving you the opportunity to earn more with the fare hike but at the same time kahit wala yan (even without it) public service po ito yung ginagawa natin ( is what we do),” Delgra added. – Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue
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