New taxi fare rates can’t be implemented yet, says Cuizon

Taxi commuters will continue to enjoy the current fare rates for at least a few weeks as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has yet to issue a memorandum on the fare increase.

LTFRB-7 director Ahmed Cuizon said they are still waiting for the central office to give a green light for regional office to stat the call of re-calibration of taxi meters.

Cuizon added that the central office of the LTFRB is still addressing some concerns in other regions.

“There are other issues like the one in Cagayan where the operators want exclusion from the fare increase. So the central office still have to deliberate and decide on that matter because if the Cagayan operators wont follow the increased fare rate, that falls as undercharging and illegal,” Cuizon explained.

Cuizon warned the cab drivers that although LTFRB has already approved the fare increase, driver can’t implement the changes yet.

Cuizon explained that they will schedule the re-calibration as soon as they receive the mandate from the central office.

The re-calibration will be done in batches, according to Cuizon.

A vacant lot at the South Road Properties will be used as calibration site.

If the new rate takes effect, the flag down rate of P40 will remain as is. But the passenger will have to pay P13.50 for every succeeding kilometer and P2 for every two minutes waiting time in traffic.

Currently, taxis charge P3.50 per 300 meters (P11.55 per kilometer) and P3.50 for every two minutes waiting time.