MORNING rush hour. I was in an FX headed to Ortigas when an old man in his sixties joined the ride.
Along the way, the sexagenarian began to feel uncomfortable as he perspired profusely due to the FX’s poor air-conditioning unit, which spewed lukewarm air. Just like me, he must have had no choice but to stay inside and keep his cool. He must have been on a rush like the rest of us FX passengers perspiring and seeking anything on hand to use for a fan.
Before leaving, the old man handed P15 to the driver. The driver said, “Kulang pa ho ng tatlong piso.” The aging man’s thinning hairline whiffed as he heard this and replied, “Sino b’ang nagsabi na P18 na ang pamasahe?”
The driver replied, “Buti nga bumiyahe pa ako ng Robinson’s e,” pointing out that we passengers were even blessed to mount in his FX as an alternative ride to Ortigas, as most FX going to Megamall easily get occupied.
What the old man’s query is trying to drive here is not the three-peso difference from the usual P15 fare, but the driver’s arbitrary measure on what price to exact from his passengers.
Poor old man. Thomasians surely have heard or experienced similar incidents as they get on board what is called the “poor man’s taxi.” We all get mad with these “tripping” FX taxis with decrepit air-conditioning units and erratic fare charges.
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In the past decade or so, FX vehicles have become the favored mode of transportation for the general public, especially students, because of their economy and accesibility.
An FX ride’s minimum fare costs only P2.50 more than a jeepney ride. But the comfort of riding in an air-conditioned vehicle and arriving at your school without the smell of gasoline on your sleeves is a cent’s worth.
With this, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must pursue its efforts to “institutionalize” the transport operations of FX taxis. They should retain the scheme of charging passengers on a per-head basis like jeepney drivers, as this will standardize fare charges. The LTFRB must give guidelines on those manning FX taxis so they will hit the road mindful of providing the comfort, safety and efficiency their passengers deserve.
