By ALEXANDRIA SAN JUAN
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has pproved the petition for taxi fare increases in Metro Manila and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
In its decision released yesterday, the LTFRB said taxi services in Metro Manila and in provinces are now authorized to add P10 in their flag down fare, increasing the rate to P40; while a P5 increase will result in a P35 flag down rate among taxis in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Taxis are now also authorized to charge P13.50 per kilometer travelled and R2 per minutes travelled.
According to the board, they were convinced to approve the petition since the last fare increase was granted seven years ago in 2010.
“While price of fuel is an important factor for fare adjustment, it is not the only element for determining fare rates. Inflation and cost of living are equally important factor. The value of money seven years ago are way different to date,” the decision stated.
The board also emphasized in the decision that the fare increases “should be hand-in-hand with the compliance of taxi operators with the PUV Modernization Program.”
Among the terms and conditions, the board ordered the taxi operators with phased out model or those who will file substitution of units “shall comply with the PUV Modernization Program.”
Meanwhile, the board denied the petition for taxi fare increase in public utility taxi fare for trips outside Iloilo City filed by Association of Taxi Operators of Panay, Inc.
