Ladies first: Pink taxis roll out in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - After a pink bus and pink jeepneys, pink taxis have now joined the latest public utility franchise of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for its Pink4 project.

Around 60 pink taxis of LBR Transport Inc., owned and operated by TV host and actor Luis Manzano, rolled out yesterday.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said the pink taxis would provide priority rides for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities during rush hour.

As part of the LTFRB Pink4 Project, the taxis will exclusively pick up and transport only women, children, senior citizens and the disabled, he said.

“We are grateful for the LBR Transport Inc. for participating in this project to allow women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to have direct access to public transport and to be safe getting to their destination, especially during the rush hours,” Ginez said during the launching of the pink taxis in Quezon City.

A motorcade was held yesterday from the LTFRB central office along East Avenue to the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The 60 LBR taxis will sport the distinct pink stripes and double pink ribbons on their top lights. The drivers will also be wearing pink polo shirts.

On Monday, RRCG Bus Inc. joined the Pink4 Project by fielding its first pink bus plying the Quiapo-Cainta route to pick up and provide transport only to these special groups from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In February, at least 14 jeepneys plying the Pateros-Guadalupe route and 16 UV express vehicles plying the Trinoma-Tandang Sora route jumpstarted the Pink4 project by picking up and transporting only the select group of passengers.

“We hope to see more public transport services to participate in the program for a good cause,” Ginez said.

Manzano, for his part, said they are operating the pink taxis as part of their obligation to the public.

“When we heard of this Pink4 advocacy nobody opposed us since we understand we have this duty to give back. We volunteered right away. Let this be a start to cater to a larger audience and market,” Manzano said.

His business partner, Bong Medel, said the LBR taxis would have the same fare rate.

Medel added they have to comply with the P10 flag down cut in operating the LBR pink taxis.

“Though the cut in the flag down rates really affected the operators, the drivers are also complaining,” Medel said.

He said around P100 will be lost from the drivers for 10 passengers a day.

Arthur Alicer, counsel of the LBR taxis, said they are deferring to the wisdom of the LTFRB.

“We deferring to the wisdom of the LTFRB because they are competent on that matter and we have complied,” he said.