FX mega taxi phaseout looms

About three-fourths of the FX taxis currently plying Metro Manila routes could be phased out as soon as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) fully implements the approved Memorandum Circular 2005-023, restricting these vehicles to seaport routes only.

Jun Magno, president of the Confederation of FX/Highlander/AUV Operators Driver Association, claimed that some 7,000 FX taxis will be re-routed to seaports in order to service sea travelers.

Magno, quoting a nine-page memorandum circular of the LTFRB, said operators of FX taxis, Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) and vans have to convert their current mega franchises to "express service" franchises in order to continue plying Metro Manila routes.

Mega franchises will be re-routed  to seaports, while express services franchises can charge per person fares.

The memorandum circular said that only unit models from 1998 to present shall be allowed for conversion.

Magno pointed out that the first FX taxi came out in 1997. This would mean that all FX taxis that have been in service since then would have to be phased out, he said.

Qualified operators will also have to pay P30,000 each unit for the conversion, apart from the regular fees and charges.

Payment shall be in the form of manager’s or cashier’s checks and could be made in four partial payments, the memo circular stated.

Those holding express franchises will also be prohibited from loading and unloading anywhere except at their terminals.

"Halimbawa kung nasa Pasig ka at sasakay ng FX na biyaheng Megamall hindi ka puwedeng bumaba sa Kapitolyo. Mamamasahe ka ulit pabalik," Magno said.

The memorandum was signed by LTFRB chairman Elena Bautista and board member Gerardo Pinili. Another board member Felix Ricadio did not sign the circular.

Magno said the LTFRB is virtually killing the FX industry in Metro Manila after big jeepney operators have signed a memorandum for a five-year moratorium on strike.