LTFRB, MIAA to Crack Down on Colorum Taxi Drivers in Four NAIA Terminals

On Tuesday, August 8, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) signed a memorandum of agreement that seeks to address the issue of ‘colorum’ taxis and abusive taxi drivers that ply the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) routes and victimize passengers. If caught, drivers of colorum taxis face a hefty penalty that ranges from P120,000 to P200,000, plus a three-month suspension. The previous fine amount was only P1,000. Through the agreement signed between the two agencies, monitoring will be tightened on the taxis that pick up passengers at the airport. MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal said that the MOA was designed to improve airport public transport vehicle services. It will serve as a guide for the implementation of standard traffic management rules and regulations at the country’s main airport hub. “I hope these abusive taxi drivers would stop, because we will not tolerate them,” Monreal said.

MOA stipulations

The MOA, signed by MIAA’s Monreal and LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III, stipulates that the latter agency will assist MIAA law enforcement units in implementing MIAA’s existing traffic rules and regulations. These mandates include the implementation of LTFRB-approved fare rates on all PUV service units, installation of GPS devices, certificate of public convenience that must be obtained annually, and penalties for fake or spurious documents, as well as other misrepresentations. Prior to the MOA, cab drivers were banned from entering NAIA if authorities discovered that they were contracting passenger fares. With the new MOA, violators will not only be banned from the airport, they will be entirely prohibited to operate within the vicinity as well.

Common taxi violations

According to Monreal, on average, MIAA captures more or less two colorum PUVs every month. Aside from colorum vehicles, MIAA authorities conducts around 400 apprehensions of various PUV-related violations at the four NAIA airports. Common violations include contracting, overcharging, and tampered taxi meters. Monreal appealed to passengers to stay away from solicitors and unmarked vehicles. He also advised passengers to report any misconduct from the drivers, adding that all complaints should be addressed to the LTFRB.

LTFRB and MIAA’s commitment

The airport executive said that he plans to consult other law enforcement units to ensure proper implementation and enforcement of the MOA. “The LTFRB and MIAA are committed to the continued improvement of airport public-transport services to ensure customer safety and security at the NAIA,” Monreal said in closing. As for LTFRB chairman Delgra, he emphasized his agency’s responsibility to the passengers, and reminded them to assert their rights. “When your rights are being abused, assert your right so the abusive cab driver will also be shocked. Because many of those who have been victimized have not asserted their rights,” he said.