LTFRB okays taxi fare hike

FILE: Board Member Aileen Lizada urged taxi operators and drivers to be compliant with the omnibus franchising guidelines (OFG) of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted the petition for increase in taxi fares that will enable operators and drivers to be competitive with ridesharing companies.

The new fare will be set at PHP40 for the flagdown rate, PHP13.50 for every kilometer of distance travelled, and PHP2 per minute of waiting time in the National Capital Region and provinces except in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

For taxis operating in CAR, the flagdown will be at PHP35 with the same rates for distance traveled and travel time.

The Board explained that the increase was granted due to the recent spate of oil price hikes, as well as the emergence of transportation network companies (TNCs) that connect drivers and passengers through mobile applications.

“It is urgent that the fare for taxis be increased for them to improve the quality of their service and become competitive amid increasing demand of passengers,” LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III said in an interview with reporters Wednesday.

For her part, Board Member Aileen Lizada urged taxi operators and drivers to be compliant with the omnibus franchising guidelines (OFG) of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government.

The OFG states that PUVs should have closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a GPS navigation system, speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and free Wi-Fi connectivity.

The fare rate will take effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation, as well as the recalibration and resealing of new meters on taxis.

The current taxi fare is PHP40 flagdown and the first 500 meters, PHP3.50 for every 300 meters and PHP3.

50 for two-minute waiting time.

The Philippine National Taxi Operators Association (PNTOA), in its petition filed last February, proposed that the running fare and waiting time be increased to PHP5.50 from PHP3.50 with the flagdown rate of PHP40. (PNA)