Question & AnswerQ&A (LTFRB DECISION)
The original flag down rate was Thirty Pesos (Php30.00) for the first Five Hundred (500) meters.
The fare increased from Thirty Pesos (Php30.00) to Forty Pesos (Php40.00) for the first Five Hundred (500) meters.
The fare for every succeeding Two Hundred Fifty (250) meters was increased by One Peso from Php2.50 to Php3.50.
The waiting time rate was increased by One Peso from Php2.50 to Php3.50 for every two (2) minutes of waiting.
All taxicabs must be equipped with taxi meters that issue receipts or printers issuing corresponding receipts, and the meters must be properly resealed and tested by LTFRB authorized personnel before the increased fare can be charged.
A taxi driver who violates the prescribed duties is subject to a penalty of Two Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (Php2,500) per offense.
Taxi drivers are prohibited from wearing inappropriate clothing such as shorts, sleeveless shirts, slippers; from operating taxis with defective meters; from contracting passengers and overcharging fares; refusing passengers or asking their destination before boarding; rounding off fares; and failing to issue receipts.
Taxi drivers must issue a receipt to passengers at all times whether the passengers ask for it or not.
The fare increase was granted due to significant increases in fuel prices, spare parts, labor costs, and cost of living since the last adjustment in 2004, which adversely affected taxi operators and drivers' incomes and operations.
The fare increase applies to Metro Manila and the provinces, but not to Baguio City, which had a separate petition for fare increases.
Operators must have their taxi meters tested and resealed by the LTFRB or authorized representatives and pay the testing and sealing fees; they cannot legally charge the increased fare until the meter is sealed.
The fare increase is authorized by an LTFRB Decision dated 23 December 2010, pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 11, dated 09 October 1992.
Taxi drivers are required to wear their company uniforms, be well-groomed at all times, and forbidden from wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and slippers while driving.
The basis includes increased costs of fuel, spare parts, labor, inflation, and the cost of living, all of which have significantly risen since the last fare increase in 2004.
The LTFRB must balance the public's right to safe, affordable transportation with the operators' need for a reasonable return on investment and fair compensation for drivers to maintain viable taxi services.