More than 5T taxi units in Central Visayas calibrated

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 has calibrated and resealed a total of 5,354 out of 6,037 taxi units in Cebu and Bohol.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon said that the taxi units that were not calibrated may not be operating anymore.

"Basin kadtong wala nagpa calibrate kay basin wala na lang gyud na sila nag operate kay kung ma late sila og pa calibrate kay P200 per day per unit ang penalty," Cuizon said.

The calibration and sealing/resealing of taxi meters for Cebu and Bohol started on February 19 and ended on June 15 this year.

Cuizon said the provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental, which is part of Central Visayas, do not have taxi units.

With the calibration of taxi meters, it means that the P40-flagdown rate is now permanent instead of being provisional.

A fare of P13.50 for every kilometer or 1,000 meters is charged and P2 is charged for every minute running time.

Previously, the P40-flagdown rate was only provisional and P3.50 is charged for every 300 meters.

Higher taxi fare hike for Central Visayas was approved last October but its implementation was delayed.

LTFRB issued Memorandum Circular Number 2017-026 or the implementing guidelines for calibration and sealing/resealing of taxi meter for 2017 fare adjustment which states that prior to the calibration and sealing/resealing of taxi units, it must be equipped with GNSS receiver, free WI-Fi, CCTV with continuous recording of past 72 hours of operation and dashboard camera and an online digital platforms. (FREEMAN)