LUCENA CITY – There are now taxis servicing passengers here.
The city government and the regional office of Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed the launch of the first batch of taxis here on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has given the Goldbourne Philippine Transport Inc. a provisional authority to operate 10 units in the city.
The provisional authority is good for three months, pending the issuance of a franchise which will be subject to operator’s compliance of the rules and regulations.
LTFRB Region 4A director Renwic Rotaqio reminded the taxi drivers to follow the conditions embedded in the authority.
Laurence Pedernal, president of GPTI said they handpick their drivers, emphasizing honesty and courtesy toward the riding public.
He assured the commuters they will provide convenient and safe transport alternatives.
The first 10 units are part of the 50 units they entered in the bank as a loan package, Pedernal said.
He added all the taxi units will have a P45 flag down fare and P13.50 for each succeeding kilometer.
The taxis can also travel within the Calabarzon region.
Presently, their units will be stationed at the two malls in this city until a Transportation Network Vehicle Service app is assigned to them.
The city government granted permission to operate within the city.
The taxi operator expressed gratitude to SM City Lucena management represented by senior assistant vice president for operations South 4 & 5 John Jason Terrenal for allowing them to use their parking lot as a temporary taxi stand.