Taxi calibration for the 50 pesos flagdown rate has started in the Cordillera region.

Some passengers, however, are finding their own ways to save money.

Richie drives his taxi almost the entire day.

His earnings are a big help in supporting his two children’s education but sometimes, he can’t drive because he needs to undergo dialysis.

“My co-driver and I switch shifts…our schedule is okay,” says Richie, a taxi driver.

(Yung kasama ko po, karelyebo ko po. Magpapalit kami, okay naman sa schedule.)

That’s why the additional 50 pesos flagdown rate is a big help for him.

This morning, August 8, his taxi’s meter was calibrated.

They paid 2,500 pesos for the calibration.

The LTFRB office was flooded with other taxis with license plates ending in 8.

But even though the flagdown rate has increased, some operators won’t be raising their boundary fees.

“Since it’s my sibling and nephew driving, I won’t increase the boundary fee. Yes, it’s my way of helping my sibling and nephew,” says Luz Flores, operator.

(Kasi kapatid ko naman tsaka pamangkin ko, hindi ko na itataas yung boundary. Oo, tulong ko na sa kapatid ko at pamangkin.)

After the calibration, the meters will be inspected to ensure accuracy.

Once approved, the LTFRB will seal the meter and affix a sticker indicating it has been calibrated.

Meanwhile, some commuters are finding ways to save on fares.

According to Denis Pineda, a commuter, “you can take a jeepney, it only costs 13 pesos, or the bus, which is 60 pesos.”

(Kwan, magjeep ka na lang. Magkano lang yung jeep, 13 pesos, sa bus po 60 pesos.)

However, some passengers can’t help but worry about the fare increase.

One of the commuters mentioned, “The 50 pesos increase is a bit heavy for us seniors. Sometimes, others offer a discount, while others charge more.”

(Yung pagdagdag ng 50 pesos. Kung kaming mga senior, parang may kabigatan na. Kung minsan, yung iba nagpapaadjust, yung iba nagpapadagdag.)

“For example, if I only have 100 pesos allowance, and I have to spend it on the fare, nothing will be left,” Kristilyn Cortez, also a commuter, added.

(‘pag kunyari, kunyari ako, kung 100 pesos yung allowance ko, tapos ipapamasahe ko pa po, di wala ng natira.)

Although it will take time to calibrate the remaining taxis, drivers can still obtain a fare guide or fare matrix from LTFRB to charge the 50 pesos flagdown rate.

Engr. Elmer Mendoza Jr., Chief of LTFRB Cordillera, explained, “Of course first, they need to present the OR or CR of their vehicle because the flagdown rate is only 50 pesos.”

(Syempre, unang una, OR CR ng kanilang sasakyan…kasi 50 pesos lang.)

They can get this at the public assistance and complaints desk to process the fare guide.

LTFRB warns that only the original fare matrix from their office should be displayed inside the taxi.

“It’s important to have the original one inside the vehicle. We’ve seen some in the past…that’s not allowed,” Mendoza added.

(Kailangan kung ano yung original na…loob ng sasakyan. May mga nakita kami noon na…bawal yun.)

According to LTFRB, those caught violating this rule may face a fine of 6,000 pesos for the first offense, 11,000 pesos fine and a one-month suspension of their franchise for the second offense, and a 16,000 pesos fine and revocation of their franchise for the third offense.