Two days ago, we reported that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) was recalibrating and resealing taxi meters, as well as implementing a new set of fares.
Prior to recalibration and resealing, regular taxis charged a fare of P40 for the first 500 meters (flagdown rate), P3.50 for every succeeding meter, and P3.50 for every two minutes of waiting time. Below are the new fares set by the LTFRB:
*Flagdown – P40
*Per kilometer – P13.50
*Per minute travel time – P2
According to the LTFRB, the recalibration of Metro Manila taxis "is the beginning of new modern taxis" plying the capital's streets. The government body stressed in a post on Facebook that other things agreed upon with taxi operators includes the following:
*Free WiFi
*CCTV cameras
*Dashcams with at least 24 hours of recording time
*An online digital platform for complaints
"Reflected in LTFRB Board Resolution no. 065 series of 2018, taxi operators agreed with the Board to install online digital platforms for connecting to their passengers/riders is required prior to calibration and sealing/resealing," the post reads.
"However, taxis that have undergone calibration and sealing/resealing, through an executed undertaking, will have to install other required gadgets two months from the date of the calibration and sealing/resealing. Only newly authorized through dropping and substitution of taxi units are required to have full compliance of gadgets."
The LTFRB also emphasized that the last increase in taxi fares was way back in 2010. Factors considered before the implementation of the new fares included price of petroleum, inflation and cost of living.
So, what are the advantages of the move? According to the LTFRB, the higher fares will be easier to compute, eliminates waiting time not caused by the passenger (if the driver takes a bathroom break, for example), makes drivers more willing to take on passengers, and makes taxis safer, more reliable, and more convenient.
You can read the LTFRB's post below. Will we see an improvement in the service of regular taxis following this fare increase? Only time will tell. Are you even willing to go back to riding them though?
