“Not enough!” – LTFRB studies Operator-requested PHP 60 taxi flag-down rate
The current taxi flag-down rate is pegged at PHP 50. Operators believe this is not enough to cover all the additional expenses that come with owning taxis, so they have asked the LTFRB to increase the flag-down rate. From the aforementioned PHP 50, operators are requesting an added PHP 10, and as it stands, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is studying its implications, impact, and perhaps even its feasibility.
Possible PHP 10 increase in taxi flag-down rate, should LTFRB approve
Photo: 24/7 Taxi
As of publishing, no, the taxi flag-down rate has not yet increased. However, and again, it is being studied by the LTFRB. According to LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, the agency is still looking into the request because there are a number of factors to consider before granting this request, and this of course includes a taxi flag-down rate hike’s impact on inflation.
It isn’t too long ago that increases have been requested for and subsequently granted. On June 24, 2022, operators requested a fare hike raising the rate from PHP 40.00 to 60, which was declined. On Sept. 16, 2022, though, the LTFRB granted a PHP 5.00 increase, setting the taxi flag-down rate at PHP 45.00. On October 7, 2022, the taxi operators filed a motion for reconsideration asking for an additional PHP 10.00 hike to raise the baseline to PHP 55.00, but it wasn’t until March 18, 2024, that the LTFRB granted (only) a PHP 5.00 increase. This is what made the current flag-down rate PHP 50.00.
Photo: R&E Taxi
Before granting the requested PHP 60 starting taxi flag-down rate, Guadiz explained that the government must first determine its effect on the economy, which may include the prices of basic commodities.
“(Kasi) NEDA will ask how the increase will affect the inflation. If it triggers an inflation, then we may not grant the request because the impact of an inflation is nationwide. It will trigger an increase in prices pero kung minimal lang ang effect, we may grant the increase,” Guadiz was quoted as saying.
“Hindi lang naman kasi ‘yung pamasahe ang pinag-uusapan diyan, eh. ‘Yung epekto niyan sa ekonomiya. Siyempre ‘yung mga sumasakay ng taxi [It’s not just the fares that will be involved but the economy as well. Ofc course, those who take taxis], especially if there are commodities involved, ipapasa ‘yan sa consumer ‘yan [those will be passed off to the consumer]. So young [the] effect — yung presyo ng bilihin natatamaan ‘yan [the prices of goods are also affected],” he further said.
Photo: 24/7 Taxi
Guadiz, however, assured the taxi operators that the LTFRB is now working on their request. He said there was already a decision to increase the flag-down rate from P45 to P50 for the regular taxi but they filed a motion for reconsideration.
“In the meantime, grinant namin ‘yung [we granted the] PHP 5.00 na (raise) flag-down (hike). However, there will still be another hearing on the additional request for PHP 10.00 more. They wanted a P60 flag-down,” Chairperson Guadiz said.
Well, we suppose it’s a good thing that the agency involved isn’t too hasty in acting on the operators’ wishes or demands to raise the taxi flag-down rate. There really are many other factors that must be considered, and while we do acknowledge that operating a PUV fleet isn’t easy, everyone will take a “hit” should something like this be haplessly or recklessly approved.
All we can hope for is a decision that will favor all.
