The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is actively monitoring taxis with defective meters in Metro Cebu, a persistent issue highlighted by passenger complaints. However, the agency has yet to solve the critical shortage of available taxis during the peak Christmas season, leaving many commuters stranded.
A Tale of Two Rides: Passenger Frustrations Mount
The challenges are illustrated by a common anecdote shared among locals. A story tells of a priest and a taxi driver who find their heavenly accommodations reversed—the priest in an apartment, the driver in a mansion. When questioned, the explanation given is pointed: when the priest preaches, the congregation sleeps; but when the driver speeds, his passengers pray. This humor underscores a real frustration with driving styles.
This was mirrored in an incident involving a Japanese passenger. Annoyed by the slow drive from the airport, he complained, "Taxi in Philippines, very slow. In Japan, very fast." The driver remained silent until arrival at the Cebu City hotel, where the meter showed a staggering P1,000 fare. The driver simply pointed and said, "Sir, meter made in Japan. Very fast."
Holiday Gridlock and Selective Drivers
The situation deteriorates significantly during Christmas. With an estimated 6,200 taxis operating in Metro Cebu, operators claim the market is saturated on ordinary days. Yet during festivities like Christmas and Sinulog, the supply falls desperately short.
Drivers, often without having eaten, become selective. They refuse passengers if the destination involves heavy traffic, exacerbating the shortage. One firsthand account describes a line of people waiting for a taxi outside Ayala Center Cebu growing for over an hour. A senior citizen finally gave up, asking a grandchild to help book a Grab car instead.
EV Taxi Fleet Stalled Amid Regulatory Questions
A potential solution has been proposed but faces delays. A plan to deploy 600 electric vehicle (EV) taxi units in Cebu City and Central Visayas could have alleviated the recent Christmas season's passenger lines, especially for seniors. However, the rollout is on hold.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has questioned regulatory process violations in granting permission for the fleet. Meanwhile, Cebu City Mayor Archival suggested traffic solutions must be studied first, famously remarking that the city's traffic would be solved "when crows turn white."
For now, commuters in Cebu must navigate the dual challenge of potential meter issues and a chronic lack of available rides during the busiest times of the year, with systemic solutions still pending.
