By Jigger Jerusalem/PNA
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As the volume of commuters is expected to increase during the Christmas season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-10 (LTFRB-10) has reminded taxi drivers and operators not to be “choosy” in taking in passengers.
LTFRB-10 Director Aminoden Guro said they have been receiving complaints from passengers–especially from persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and students–who reported being turned away by taxi drivers.
Guro said this usually happens during the weeks leading to the Christmas holiday, as people are rushing to malls and commercial establishments to do their shopping.
In an interview Wednesday, Guro said they have already partnered with mall owners for the establishment of public assistance and complaint desks to address grievances from the riding public.
Guro said the initiative is part of the “Oplan Isnabero” to put a stop to taxi drivers turning away passengers.
Guro has also warned taxi drivers who fail to comply with LTFRB and Land Transportation Office regulations.
Common violations, he said, range from overcharging of fare, arrogance and discourtesy of drivers, discrimination, not granting special discounts to senior citizens, PWDs, and students, and contracting passengers.
For this part, local transport group Association of United Taxi Operators (Auto) president Fernando Clemenia assured their members will not reject commuters.
“To be honest, our drivers are finding it hard to look for passengers due to the number of “colorum” taxis,” Clemenia said.
“It is not possible to snub passengers. In fact, we accommodate them even if their destination is just near. This is because of the decreasing number of the riding individuals,” he added.
In response, Guro said they have been going after public utility vehicles that are operating illegally, specifically those without a franchise from the LTFRB.
He said LTFRB-10 has already confiscated 16 taxi units without the necessary permits since January this year.
“Colorum taxis have become rampant that it has endangered the safety of the riding public, as well as the livelihood of honest and law-abiding public utility vehicle drivers and operators,” the LTFRB official said.
