NAIA to allow regular taxis

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila International Airport Authority will open the four Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals to regular white taxis starting tomorrow, an official said Friday as the MIAA held a dry run to test the new scheme.

MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said it would reduce travelers’ waiting time for taxis, particularly during peak hours, and give them “more choices for their mode of transportation.” He said around 97,000 travelers arrive at the NAIA every day.

Regular taxis will be located at the secondary roadway of NAIA Terminal 1’s main arrival area; the secondary roadway of NAIA Terminal 2, starting at Bay 22; the arrival area’s third roadway at NAIA Terminal 3, starting at Bay 6; and at the exit point of Terminal 4.

Monreal said to protect travelers, they will be given a dispatch slip with the name of the driver, license plate number, name of the operator and important hotline numbers. A copy of the dispatch slip will be retained by the dispatcher at the terminal.

He assured travelers that any complaints will be resolved within 72 hours.

Monreal said the MIAA has coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to ensure that drivers of regular taxis will refrain from committing crimes against travelers.

He said erring taxi drivers will be banned from entering NAIA’s four terminals and their license will be revoked once they are proven guilty of violating LTFRB and LTO rules.