Thursday, April 24, 2008 Mayor bats for mandatory ID system for taxi drivers
MAYOR Constantino G. Jaraula has taken bold steps in a bid to improve the quality of taxi service in Cagayan de Oro City by imposing a mandatory ID system to taxi drivers.
Jaraula, assisted by Councilors Ian Mark Nacaya and Alden Bacal, met with the different taxi operators and officials from the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Air Transportation Office (ATO), City Tourism Board, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) and Department of Tourism (DOT) to discuss on how to improve the taxi service in the city.
The city mayor called for the meeting after noting that the level of the city's taxi service is allegedly deteriorating that resulted to numerous complaints from local passengers, visitors and tourists alike.
Among the major complaints brought up by Jaraula include the shabby and untidy appearance of taxi drivers for wearing no uniform, driving in shorts, sandos, sandals or slippers, and lack of physical hygiene.
Overcharging, arrogance, driving under the influence of liquor or illegal drugs and no uniformed fare rates were also among the common complaints that arose during the meeting.
If not acted upon, Jaraula said these criticisms from taxi passengers, especially first-timers to the city, will create a negative impression that Cagayan de Oro City is not a friendly city to guests and visitors, thus inconsistent with its monicker as the City of Golden Friendship.
To resolve these complaints, Jaraula and the group agreed to require taxi drivers and operators to undergo a seminar on the basic rules in driving and/or operating a taxi, which will be handled by the city government, in coordination with the concerned national line government agencies.
After completing the series of half-day seminars to be held at the City Tourism Hall, participants will be issued with a city-designed identification card which bears the driver's name and photo, name of the taxi operator and body number of the unit, Jaraula said.
The mayor clarified that the possession of the identification card will serve as the driver's authority from the city government that he is allowed to drive a taxi in Cagayan de Oro City within a period of one (1) year, even if he has a license to drive.
By taking these measures, taxi drivers will get some sense of dignity and respect as he described the taxi drivers as "special" and not regular drivers on bus, public utility jeepneys, hauling trucks and others. (Press release)
