Taxi drivers told, wait for LTFRB's decision on airport fare
Department of Tourism Regional (DOT) regional director Edwin Trompeta said all the taxi fleet that operates at the Sta. Barbara airport should wait for the decision of the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) before imposing any additional fee.
Trompeta's reaction came in the wake of reports on the gratuity fee sanctioned by the Iloilo Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) to Light and Glory taxi. The flyers containing the P80 gratuity fee created adverse reaction from both from the riding public and taxi associations.
The tourism department dip its finger on the issue since it will affect the tourism industry of the region, said Trompeta.
"The excessive taxi fare will create a bad impression from among the local as well as foreign visitors," he added.
He stressed the ICVB has no business in allowing the taxi drivers to collect P80 gratuity fee from the passengers. The additional collection of gratuity fee is illegal as it is not sanctioned by the regulating body. All taxi operators should wait for the results of the hearing in relation to the additional charge asked by taxi operators.
Trompeta said if the bureau wants, it is the hotels that should give the gratuity fee to the drivers. The gratuity fee will serve as price to the taxi drivers who bring their passengers to a certain hotel to the airport or vice versa. The gratuity fee should not be an additional burden to the passengers.