Opposition raised on petition to reduce taxi fare

CEBU, Philippines - The Metro Cebu Taxi Operators group is vehemently opposing the call to reduce fare by P10, saying fuel price is not the only factor that would merit fare rollback.

In a public hearing at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory-7 yesterday, operators of the “yellow taxis” also expressed opposition to the petition.

In an opposition paper submitted to LTFRB last December, MCTOA said that while prices of fuel has gone low, the prices of spare parts and accessories have remained the same.

At present, the flag down rate for taxi fare in Cebu is P40, which is equivalent to a 500-meter distance. An additional P3.50 gets added for every succeeding 300 meters.

Through a petition, Negros Oriental Representative Manuel Iway has called to reduce the flag down rate to P20. He also wants to bring down to P2.50 the additional rate after every succeeding 300 meters.

The flag down rate in a yellow taxi is P70 with an additional P5 for every succeeding 300 meters.

GT Express whose taxis travel from Danao City to Cebu City is also opposing the petition. It argued that it has been undercharging for a long time.

GT Express rate is pegged at P2 for every kilometer travelled.

Meanwhile, the GT Express fleet that travels to Cordova town isn’t opposing the rollback provided that it can increase fare the moment fuel price rise.

LTFRB-7 hearing officer Edwin Antepuesto said they will forward to their head office all the data and sentiments that were raised during the public hearing.

“We will forward all the data, documents and the sentiments of the operators here on or before January 23, 2015,” Antepuesto said.

Early this week, LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez instructed LTFRB-7 Regional Director Reynaldo Elnar to hold a public hearing on the matter, as result of which would be taken into consideration in resolving Iway’s petition.

The reduced rate for fare in jeepneys, P7 from P7.50, was implemented last Wednesday amidst the continued reduction of fuel prices in the world and local markets. – Michelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (FREEMAN)