Higher taxi fares to greet commuters in 2011

Higher taxi fares will greet commuters in 2011. This, after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday approved a petition seeking to increase the flag down rate of taxis from P30 to P40. Aside from adjusting the flag down rate, the fare for every succeeding 250 meters will increase from P2.50 to P3.50, according to a radio report. In an order signed by LTFRB chairman Nelson Laluces and board member Samuel Julius Garcia, the agency cited as reasons for the fare increase "inflation and the increase of the price index." The LTFRB said it was about time to hike taxi fares in Metro Manila, as these have not been increased for a long time. Fare adjustments will take effect mid-January, 15 days after the order’s publication in newspapers. Meanwhile, Department of Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Dante Velasco also hinted that even the minimum jeepney fare could increase from P7 to P7.50 next year. — Mark Merueñas, DM/KBK, GMANews.TV