Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Taxi drivers may have to wait a little longer before a higher flagdown rate is implemented.
The proposed ₱40 base rate for Metro Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo taxis is not yet fully approved by the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), board member Aileen Lizada said on Tuesday.
LTFRB has asked the petitioners to submit a position paper within 10 days – and it will be subject for another hearing.
LTFRB brought down the taxi flagdown rate to ₱30 last year to reflect lower global oil prices.
Some transport groups, however, protested the move because the lower base fare would lessen drivers’ incomes.
Taxi driver Danny Ansero is hopeful authorities will rule in their favor this time.
“Sa tulad naming nagtatrabaho ng pantay, na hindi nangongontrata, talagang malaking bagay sa amin ang sampumpiso,” said Ansero.
[Translation: “For us who work fairly, who don’t negotiate fares, ₱10 is a big thing.”]
Jeepney fares, meanwhile, are up by ₱1 in Metro Manila, Region 3, and Region 4.
From ₱7, the base jeepney fare is now ₱8 for the first four kilometers, with a ₱1.50 succeeding rate per kilometer.
Lizada said the fare hike will be implemented on Thursday at the latest, once the LTFRB has published the new measure in national dailies.
Jeepney driver Gerry Garcia welcomed the fare increase.
He said his current income is not enough to pay for his children’s education.
Garcia earns ₱1,500-₱1,700 a day but take home ₱500-₱700 since he spends ₱1,000 on gasoline.
Both Garcia and Ansero said this fare hike for jeepneys and taxis will add a minimum of ₱200 to their daily income.
Garcia said this ₱200 daily addition could already be his eldest son’s savings for college.
CNN Philippines’ Makoi Popioco contribiuted to this report.
