‘FOR A FAIR FARE’: Iloilo Taxi Operators Push Fixed Out-of-Town Rates

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Taxi operators in Iloilo City are proposing fixed rates for out-of-town trips, citing financial losses caused by uncovered return journeys under the current metered fare system.

The Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) is set to submit a proposal to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Western Visayas (LTFRB-6) to implement fixed pricing for trips beyond city limits.

ATOP President Perfecto Yap said metered fares currently only reflect the one-way cost of a trip, leaving drivers uncompensated for their return journey.

“This negatively impacts our profitability, especially with rising fuel prices,” Yap said in a phone interview.

Yap added that the proposal is in its final stages and will likely be signed this month.

“This is not just for ATOP but for the entire taxi industry in Region 6,” he said.

The proposal will define out-of-town trips as journeys beyond boundary terminals, including areas in Metro Iloilo such as Pavia, Cabatuan, Leganes, San Miguel, Oton, and Santa Barbara.

“Our meter only accounts for the one-way trip, which includes expenses and reasonable profit for our drivers,” Yap explained.

He highlighted that most drivers lose income because they often return to the city without passengers.

Yap also emphasized the importance of public understanding regarding fare adjustments to sustain drivers’ income while ensuring quality service.

“It’s important for the riding public to find a balance between fare increases and the drivers’ ability to provide good service,” he added.

Yap noted that fixed taxi rates are already in place at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) through Coupon Taxis, which follow LTFRB-regulated rates.

He recalled that similar proposals for fixed rates were submitted in 2012, 2015, and 2018, but no policy changes were made despite public hearings.

The renewed push for fixed fares came after a vlogger complained about being charged PHP 600 for an unmetered taxi trip from Mandurriao to Iloilo International Airport.

Yap said trips to the airport should still follow the metered system, but many drivers feel disadvantaged as they cannot pick up passengers on their return trip.

He acknowledged that some drivers negotiate fares with passengers or request additional amounts to offset losses.

ATOP, which oversees 200 to 250 taxi units at Iloilo International Airport, is pushing for solutions to address these challenges.

LTFRB-6 Legal Officer Atty. Salvador “Jun” Altura reminded operators that the current metered rates must be followed unless revised.

“Existing LTFRB-approved rates must be enforced unless formally revised through a petition,” Altura said.

He encouraged ATOP to formally file the proposal to ensure compliance and address drivers’ concerns.