Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines — Premium taxi drivers will receive regular salaries and benefits under the new guidelines issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Under Department Order 2019-007 signed on May 8 but released to the media on Thursday, the DOTr introduced the “Taxi Modernization Program,” amending guidelines on premium taxi services.
This seeks to provide reasonably-priced option with high-end safety and comfort features.
“When our drivers are salaried, they do not need to rush on the road to maximize the number of passengers and flagdowns they could get in a day,” Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement.
“We, thus, reduce the risk of road incidence. And, with the amended vehicle specifications for premium taxis, we put on our roads vehicles that are safer and environment-friendly,” he added.
The guideline also mandates that premium taxi units should be at least Euro-4 compliant and not older than seven years old as reflected in the Certificate of Registration.
The taxis will also be reclassified into “Silver” or “Gold” depending on body types, power rating, leg room, and luggage compartment, among others.
To apply for a franchise, units must not be more than three years old upon application for the certificate of public convenience.
Electric vehicles with at least 100-kilowatt output and hybrid vehicles with at least 1,800 cubic centimeters (cc) rated engine displacement would also be accepted as alternative vehicles.
Under the new guidelines, all premium taxis are required to have free internet access for passengers, on-board navigation system (GPS) or mobile-based application and dashboard cameras.
Taxi drivers are also required to wear proper uniform while providing door-to-door service with no fixed route within a specified area.
The taxi modernization program will be implemented once the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued a memorandum circular.
The program is in line with the government’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles in the country. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)
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