Tuesday, April 03, 2007 Phaseout of old taxis on: transport agency By Carlo P. Mallo
OLD and dilapidated taxis will no longer be given franchise to operate, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Southern Mindanao administrative officer said.
Edgar Violan said the franchise of units that have been in operation for the past 13 years will no longer be renewed as LTFRB works to upgrade taxi service in the city.
Before the LTFRB will grant a franchise to a taxi operator, either renewal or new, the taxi unit will have to undergo rigid inspection.
He added that aside from upgrading the mode of service being offered by the taxi, it is also to protect the riding public from possible hazards they might incur when riding the dilapidated taxi cabs.
Violan also said the LTFRB is now conducting a gradual phase out of non-aircon taxi units. He said they are now encouraging taxi operators to introduce aircon units into their fleets.
Meanwhile, Violan warned drivers and operators against tampering their taxi meters. Penalty will be imposed against anyone caught tampering with the revocation of the taxi franchise and driver's license.
