LTFRB starts recalibration, resealing of taxi meters

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday began the recalibration of taxi meters at the Old Domestic Road in Parañaque City in accordance with the new fare rates approved last year.

The LTFRB can process up to 200 taxis at any given time, according to an Unang Balita report by Bam Alegre.

Flag down rate will remain at P40, while P13.50 will be charged for every kilometer. Each minute of travel time will also add P2 to the total fare.

READ: Learn how the new taxi fare system works

The recalibration and resealing will be followed by a road test. If the meter passes, a taxi meter calibration certification sticker will be placed on the upper-right corner of the taxi's windshield.

Drivers applying for calibration are required to bring their calibration form from the LTFRB's website, their franchise verification, OR/CR, undertaking, passbook and certificate of accreditation.

LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said they patterned the new fares after the TNVS model, according to a News To Go report by Saleema Refran.

The new fares were approved in October last year, but were implemented just this month.

In a separate Unang Balita interview, Delgra said taxi operators will pay a refilling fee, proceed to their taxi meter providers for calibration, then to the refilling area for verification by the LTFRB personnel.

The payment for the refilling already started last week.

WiFi and GPS

One of the LTFRB's requirements for taxis is to have new technology installed, including booking apps, GPS, CCTV, WiFi and dash cam.

"Meron na rin pong kailangan i-install na taxi model apps 'yung mga taxi operators. Kagaya na rin po sila ng mga TNVS. So what we're trying to do is we're trying to upgrade the taxi service, hindi lang sa Metro Manila, sa buong bansa po 'yan," Delgra said.

The agency has given existing taxi units two months to comply. Meanwhile, units purchased in 2018 are required to have the new devices.

The LTFRB advised passengers to check for stickers indicating that the taxi's meter was inspected and sealed, as well as a gold seal. If the sticker and seal are not present, drivers could be charged with overcharging.

The calibration and resealing of taxis in Parañaque will continue Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November.

Delgra said that according to the agency's database, a little over 21,000 units need to be recalibrated. — Jamil Santos/BM, GMA News