LTO summons taxi driver who charged P200 per km to PWD

The Land Transportation Office has summoned the taxi driver and operator of a colorum taxi that overcharged a person with disability by P200 per kilometer.

A Facebook post by the parent of the passenger, which reached the LTO, told of how the PWD rode a taxi at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was charged P200 per kilometer by the driver.

However, instead of reaching their destination, the PWD was dropped off at a gasoline station and looked for another mode of transportation to get home.

The LTO said that it has learned that the said taxi was operating as a colorum vehicle and is not registered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

"Lumabas din sa rekord ng LTO na may mga naitalang paglabag sa batas-trapiko ang naturang drayber," a press release from the agency read.

"Dahil dito, ipinag-utos ni Asec. [Markus] Lacanilao ang pagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang pagkakakilanlan ng drayber at operator at maisailalim sila sa kaukulang proseso ng LTO."

The driver faces allegations of overcharging of fare, while the operator may face colorum violations. Both are called to face the LTO's Intelligence and Investigation Division on Oct. 1.

The LTO has also called on the driver to surrender his license, which will be suspended for 90 days. Meanwhile, the taxi has been put under alarm status.

"Malinaw ang paglabag sa paniningil ng P200 kada kilometro, lalo na't may itinakdang pamasahe para sa taxi services. Hindi maaaring basta magtakda ng sariling singil ang driver o operator, at may kaukulang pananagutan sa ilalim ng umiiral na mga patakaran," Lacanilao said.

Moreover, the LTO has called on the public to report to the agency any incidents of overcharging, colorum vehicles, and other similar violations.