Fixed boundary scheme mulled for cabbies

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is considering regulating the boundary system of taxi drivers by providing a fixed rate.

LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said they would study the regulation on the boundary scheme, noting that practice would affect the take-home pay of cabbies after the flag-down rate was cut from P40 to P30.

Last week, the LTFRB approved a provisional P10 reduction of the flag-down rate.

“The effectiveness of the driver and his desire to reach the boundary for taxi operators might affect the safety of the passengers,” Ginez said.

Bong Suntay, a Quezon City councilor and president of the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association Inc., said the fare cut would reduce a taxi driver’s income by at least P300 per day.

The group filed a petition with the LTFRB opposing the fare cut.