BAGUIO City Councilor Edgar Avila is asking for a review on the taxi fare increase.
In a resolution, the alderman is urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to review the measure for the sake of the riding public.
Avila said he hopes to bring a compromise for the government, the riding public and the transport group as well.
“The fare increase ranged from an average of 50 percent to 75 percent more than they usually paid under the old rate, consumers are yearning for a price reduction of the increase, and there is a need for all affected sectors to find an acceptable compromise on the matter,” Avila said.
Avila added that commuters while sympathizing with the taxi operators and drivers who have been affected by the price increase of fuel and other energy products coupled with the new requirements required to be installed for a global navigational satellite system, Wi-Fi, CCTV with continuous recording of the past 72 hours, dashboard camera, and online digital platforms, the reverse is likewise true for commuters as they now tend not to patronize the taxicabs due to budget constraints.
Previously, the City Council asked for the suspension of the calibration because of these requirements which pose additional financial burden to the taxicab operators.
On October 4, 2017, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in the Cordillera Region approved the increase of the taxi fare while the flag-down rate remains at P35.00, but passengers are now additionally charged P3.50 per kilometer and P2.00 per minute of travel time rate from origin to destination.
Meter calibration of taxis at the LTO started March 5.
“Observers note that passengers now do not just hail taxicabs for their fare but instead determine the plate number ending or body number ending to see if the last digit of the taxicabs are not 1, 2 and 3 as they are the only ones calibrated. The higher numbered taxicabs are chosen as they charge old fares. Even taxicabs are aware as those uncalibrated taxis post a sign on their windshields: Not Yet Calibrated,” Avila continued.