Naia operator issues rules vs abusive taxis 

Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon. —Photo by Arnel Tacson, INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC), is taking steps to strengthen transport measures and improve passenger protection at the airport after recent incidents involving unauthorized taxis that overcharged passengers during short trips between terminals.

One incident, which went viral on social media, led the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to dismiss five airport police officers under the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) for their alleged involvement in extortion of taxi drivers operating at the airport.

“While airport police are under Miaa jurisdiction, NNIC—as the private operator of Naia—is working closely with the government agency and, at the same time, implementing measures to ensure incidents like this do not happen again,” the NNIC said in a statement Friday.

READ: Dizon wants special taxis at airports removed

On Saturday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, accompanied by transport officials, conducted a surprise inspection of the taxi lane in Terminal 2 and apprehended two taxis that did not have proper registration papers. One taxi carried the franchise of a truck.

Since assuming operations in September last year, the NNIC said it has continued the transport accreditation system it inherited from the Miaa.

To help passengers easily identify legitimate transport providers, the NNIC said it is looking to roll out new and more visible accreditation markings with tamper-resistant features.

Last December, the NNIC launched a centralized transport hub at Terminal 3 for app-based ride-hailing services such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi—to ensure orderly pickups and provide passengers safer, more convenient, and efficient transport options.

The NNIC said it has also added more CCTV cameras and deployed additional security personnel to strengthen monitoring and enforcement across the entire airport—including areas beyond terminal curbsides.

Also, prior to the incidents, the NNIC said it had already increased the number of inter-terminal shuttle buses, which run every 15 minutes—making it faster and more convenient for passengers to transfer between terminals—free of charge.

The NNIC is also expanding its monitoring systems, launching a renewed passenger awareness campaign, and introducing a digital reporting tool to make it easier for passengers to report incidents and receive timely assistance.

NNIC president Ramon S. Ang said the company is determined to upgrade transport standards and protect the riding public. /cb