The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered the suspension of a taxi driver’s license after the latter skipped the scheduled hearing.
On Tuesday, May 20, RH 5 Val Gonzales reported that after three weeks, the LTFRB had already released its decision. The LTFRB has ordered the suspension of the license of the taxi driver.
This came after he skipped the scheduled hearing on May 16.
Gonzales reported that the agency is now coordinating with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the driver’s 30-day license suspension.
Meanwhile, the taxi operator El Cyd Taxi will also be fined P5,000 for contracting passengers, a violation under the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01.
The complaint stemmed from a passenger who boarded a taxi along with her newborn child on May 4 in Quezon City. Upon boarding, she was immediately informed that the fee costs P250. Despite her protests, she eventually agreed.
Upon reaching her destination, she gave the driver P1,000, thinking she would be receiving her change. However, she stated that the river suddenly stepped on the accelerator and sped off.
During the hearing, the respondent operator stated that he took the initiative to bring the driver to the LTFRB NCR to explain. However, he noted that along the way, his driver had escaped without his consent and has since been absent from work.
The driver was issued a Notice of Termination on the same day of the hearing.
As a rule, operators must ensure that their drivers follow the protocols issued by the LTFRB. Additionally, operators are also required to inform their drivers not to contract passengers and use the taxi meter to compute the fare.
Meanwhile, LTFRB Spokesperson Atty. Ariel Inton urged passengers to file a complaint against any public utility vehicle drivers who take advantage of contracting passengers.
