The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to open the application for franchises of premium taxi services following the issuance by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the guidelines of the taxi modernization program last May.
“We are finalizing hopefully today (Friday) or early next week the memorandum circular for the implementation of the taxi modernization program. The main feature is we will be opening franchises for the premium taxis,” LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra III told reporters.
Premium taxi drivers will receive regular salaries and benefits and that they will be required to wear a uniform under the new guidelines issued by DOTr.
Premium taxis must have free Internet access for passengers, onboard navigation system or mobile-based application, dashboard cameras and an automated fare collection system according to DOTr Department Order 2019-007 issued last May 8.
The taxis should also be at least Euro-4 compliant and not older than seven years old as reflected in the Certificate of Registration.
Premium taxis will also be reclassified into “Silver” or “Gold” depending on their power rating, leg room, and luggage compartment, among others.
“Ang market nitong premium taxis (The target market of the premium taxis), a large percentage of this I suppose, are those with cars. If they will be taking taxis, the use of private cars on the roads will be lessened,” Delgra said.
The premium taxi classification was first introduced in 2015 to improve the quality of the service of the taxi industry, amid the emergence of transportation network companies in the country. (PNA)
