TRUE to his words, reelected Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez has brought the much needed relief to the riding public by opening the city to a private taxi company operation.
“This is a big welcome to our city. It gives our riding public choices on what they want to ride whether it be a bus, a tricycle or a taxi. I hope they will maintain and sustain to give good service and clean vehicles all the time,” Gomez told SunStar Philippines.
The 20 metered taxis, which started their operation July 11, have flag down rate similar to Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City.
They will ply in and outside Ormoc City.
City Councilor Lalaine Marcos said the coming of taxi service is a “good thing,” as the city positioned itself as a tourist destination.
“Our visitors, and locals too, will have an alternative choice, and hopefully, it will do away with the opportunism among existing transportation which has been overcharging commuters because of the lack of alternatives. As for the noise from those who claim they will be affected, 20 units will barely make a dent,” she said.
“Our experience for the past three years have shown us that any change introduced here that challenged the status quo have always been met with noise, but in the end, it has always proven to be better for the majority. To quote the mayor, every change we adopt here will always have good intentions and what is best for the majority,” Marcos added.
On July 1, a day after taking his oath of office, Gomez also launched the operation of solar e-jeepneys in Ormoc in line with the modernization program under his administration.