Taxis refusing to convey passengers

Philippines: Taxi refusing to convey passengers?

Allow me to talk about the state of Taxis, or cabs as I’ve experienced it in Manila, Philippines.

Rejecting to provide you service?

Have you ever tried to call a cab, then a cab pulls over, then when you state your destination, the cab driver shakes their head and goes away? In short, you got rejected by the taxi driver. Sounds familiar?

I have experienced this numerous times when I tried to call a cab. After waiting patiently for a taxi to pullover, they would quickly speed away when they hear where do you want to go. Did I say that I was going to hell that’s why they refused to bring me there? Who the F*** gives them the right to reject us passengers for a taxi service? They are supposed to be public utility vehicles so they should serve us customers. What happened to customers are always right mentality?

Able to get away with it because people tolerate it

In the past, the usual way to ride a taxi is to simply get in first then tell the driver where you want to go. That was all in the past because now, the norm is for the taxi to pull up near you, ask you where do you want to go and then decide if they want to or not. Commuters have accepted this as is; no wonder taxi drivers are able to get away with it.

Actually I have no idea when this started. All I know that it is very common right now especially in Metro Manila. In other provinces, I’m yet to encounter this.

In defense of taxi drivers

Taxi drivers want to get the best profit from their trips so that can be their reason for refusing us passengers. That’s all I can think of. It’s a problem for taxi drivers on how can they earn more than their boundary so that they can have something to bring home. So it means that if they did not allow you to hire them, it means that you are not worthy of their time and your not worth some profit to them.

They are passing their problem to us because now we have to make ourselves profitable. But how? By going to far away places where they can drive their cabs wildly at high speeds and meters with less gasoline usage. So, it’s a big problem for you if you are living in a place there’s always slow traffic because most or less, you will be better off walking than trying to get a taxi/cab. \

In defense of commuters (like me!)

I was surprised and happy to know that we can do something about this taxi abuse. Here is something we can do.

First, get as much information as you can such as (rated from most important to least important);

• Plate Number (very important!!!)
• Operator Name or Taxi Name
• Car Model/Color/ etc..
• Driver Face/features/smell etc..

We can report them to the authorities with these numbers.

DOTC Action Center at 7890

LTO Hotline at 9219071

However, let me warn you that there is no guarantee that the authorities will do anything about it unless you are Hayden Kho or a crying Katrina Halili so you can also do this alternatives instead.

• Just get off the taxi and don’t close the door (bwahahah)
• Ride your taxi from outside the malls where they fall in line. With the presence of security guards, they don’t dare refuse you.
• If you are with a group of friends, create a ruckus and beat up the taxi driver.. then take control of his taxi (grand theft auto style wahaha just kidding)

Btw, another problem is taxi drivers refusing to use the meter but instead offering fixed OVERPRICED rates. Instantly get off and do not pay a cent. And don’t forget to leave the door open mmkay?

Just my two cents…

Please spread the word on abusive taxi drivers

I’d like to ask that please spread this to everyone so that we can be more aware of the current situation of taxis in our country. Let us show them that they cannot get away with what they are doing and we, as commuters, want to express our right to ride a taxi without having to resort to negotiation.

Riding a taxi should never be a priviledge but a right to anyone who can pay the fee.

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