DOTC Undersecretary for Land Transportation Arturo Valdez noted that a memorandum has already been issued by Secretary Leandro Mendoza to effect the program intended to put order in the operation of FX taxis.
"There will be specific routes that will be assigned to FX taxis. This is meant to level the playing field in the land transportation sector," he said.
Passenger bus and jeepney operators have long been complaining about the proliferation of FX taxis, particularly those with the "Mega" franchise.
FX Mega taxis are now estimated to number some 5,000 and majority of them are illegally operating as "Filcab" taxis.
Under the policy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), FX taxis with "Mega" franchise should operate like sedan taxis, using meters. Only "Filcab" taxis, estimated at 50 units, have fixed franchises and can charge fares on "a per head basis."
The operation of a "Filcab" taxi comes with requirements that many operators want to avoid. One of these is the provision of terminals on both ends of the route.
Bus and jeepney operators complain that FX taxis are giving them unfair competition. They asked the DOTC to crack down on erring FX taxi operators and drivers.
Valdez said that since many drivers want to operate as "Filcab" taxis, they might as well be given their own routes.
"The LTRFB will be formulating the guidelines on this. We hope that this program will put order to taxi operations. We also expect this program to strengthen our campaign against colorum and out-of-line operations," he added. – Sheila Crisostomo