‘Running time’: Learn how the new taxi fare system works

The new taxi fare system will charge riders P13.50 per kilometer plus P2 per minute for however long the trip takes, in addition to a P40 flag-down rate.

A "24 Oras" report by Tina Panganiban-Perez laid out the difference between the old system and the new.

In the past, taxis charged P3.50 for every 300 meters and P3.50 for every two minutes' "waiting time," when the car is stopped.

Now, taxis will charge P13.50 for every kilometer and P2 for each minute of "running time," or the trip in its entirety.

The remaining distance that does not reach a kilometer will not be charged.

For instance, if your taxi ride was eight minutes long and traveled 1.5 kilometers, your fare will come to P69.50. Here is the breakdown of the fare:

• P40.00 - flag-down rate
• P13.50 - 1 kilometer
• no charge - 0.5 kilometer
• P16.00 - eight minutes' travel time

The new fare system came with the affixed flag-down fare fixed to P40 in accordance to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board granted transport groups' petition for a fare hike.

The exception to the P40 flag-down rate is the Cordillera Administrative Region, where the flag-down rate is P35.

LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada said the new fare computation aims to stop abusive drivers from demanding extra money from passengers.

"That is one of the objectives. Ayaw na natin iyung plus P50 tayo, plus P100. Because we are now, the board gave the taxi operators running time. No longer waiting time," Lizada said.

"We would just like to appeal to them na tigilan na nila iyan. For two reasons. We are giving you the opportunity to earn more with the fare hike. But at the same time, kahit na wala iyan po, public service po ito, iyung ginagawa natin," LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III added.

The adjusted fare system will go into effect after be its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Lizada said the transport regulator is aiming to have it published on Thursday. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News