NAIA transport service now sports new image

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon has urged the strict implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting February to ensure a “fast, friendly and efficient’’ service to incoming tourists.

The DOTC with Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), NAIA, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local government units have agreed on public utility vehicle (PUV) system that makes the country a tourist-friendly destination.

The new system requires taxi drivers to wear uniforms and body numbers so that the public can immediately identify errant taxi drivers.

Also under the system passengers are assured that the vehicles they ride in are road-worthy and in good condition owing to annual inspection conducted by the DOT.

The system is expected to lessen the incidence of crimes such as overcharging, trip-cutting and refusal to convey passengers based on the rules and regulations of this new system.

Passengers are protected from abusive taxi drivers because the operators are accountable and drivers and vehicles are easily identifiable.

Moreover, the joint efforts of the the government agencies aim to decongest traffic and determine the carrying capacity of taxis within Metro Manila. A reward system for deserving taxi and limo drivers will also be developed.

Initially, affected taxis are the regular taxis such as cars, FX and sedans as well as airport taxi plying the NAIA and Manila domestic airport that charge by meter; coupon-taxi which charges fare based on the basic rate as determined by LTFRB; and limo service such as vans which offer special or premium transport service.

Taxis and limo service are required to be fully-airconditioned, provided with clean/comfortable seats and must be equipped with mobile radio transceiver or cellphone and taximeter with official receipt.

It is the mandate of the government that the PUVs must not exceed the maximum allowable age of five years to be determined from the year model, and it must have a white-painted body and a color-coded body number clearly imprinted on both sides. (PNA)