New Taxi Fare Hike in the Philippines?

Is the taxi getting a hike?
Image credit: Pixabay

I think I have been down with my current events and apparently have been one of the last Filipinos to know that there will be a new taxi fare hike. Unfortunately, the new taxi fare metering rates were approved by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) last October 2017. Soon it will be put into effect. Some are already questioning if the hike is justifiable when there seems no apparent hike in wages of Filipino workers amidst an apparent increase of many products and services due to the excise tax.

One also astonishing fact is that the rates are actually comparable with Uber. If this being the case, don't you think Filipinos would rather use Uber than settle for flagging an ordinary taxi that sometimes has a bad aircon or maybe an ill-tempered driver? Before any hike can be considered, I think LTFRB has to ensure the public that taxi operators will provide the riding public taxis that are in good condition and have nice and safe drivers. It's really irritating when the taxi you are riding is even hotter on the inside than the outside or when the driver is a rageaholic.

The newly approved taxi fare rate is as follows: P40 flag down rate, with an additional P13.50 for every kilometer thereafter, and P2.00 for every minute of waiting time on the road. The current rate is P40 flag down rate, P3.50 for every 300 meters, P3.50 for every minute of waiting time on the road. 

For Uber:

UberX

 Base fare: P40

 Cost per minute: P2.00

 Cost per kilometer; P5.70

UberPOOL

 Base fare: P40

 Cost per minute: P2.00

 Cost per kilometer: P5.70

Uber XL

 Base fare: P60

 Cost per minute: P3.00

 Cost per kilometer: P8.55

UberBLACK

 Base fare: P90

 Cost per minute: P2.45

 Cost per kilometer: P13.75

*check calculator for surge prices.

I am not writing to sponsor Uber by stating their rates but, I am using this to create a comparison.

I do understand the fact that prices on petroleum products, diesel and gas have all increased due to the excise tax and because of this, a hike in fare is inevitable. What I would like to expound on are the conditions of taxis. If the traditional jeepney is currently going on an "overhaul" shouldn't taxis as well? The riding public just wants quality worth the money that they will be spending for. Taxi operators should keep this in mind.

Kayong mga Pinoy? What do you think?

The Pinoy Inquisitor will be in search of answers to questions that plague our society.