'May free bus ride din': Protocol under review for taxis entering NAIA after viral overcharging video
At A Glance
- The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said the shuttle buses, which offer free rides, are available every 15 minutes and operate on a continuous loop throughout the day
photo: DOTr)
Airline passengers moving between terminals at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) could avail of the free shuttle buses that are continuously operating all throughout the day.
In a statement, the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said the shuttle buses, which offer free rides, are available every 15 minutes and operate on a continuous loop throughout the day.
“This service ensures convenient, safe, and cost-free transfers without the need to book or pay for a separate vehicle,” the statement read in response to the viral video of a cab driver overcharging a passenger.
Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has already committed to revoking the driver’s license of the driver and the franchise of the taxi company after the video of the cab driver asking P1,200 for a short trip between NAIA Terminal 1 and 2 went viral.
The NNIC, for its part, said it has already initiated an investigation into the incident and citing initial results, it said the taxi involved is not among the accredited transport providers authorized to pick up passengers at the airport.
It said only accredited Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi are allowed to pick up passengers at NAIA. The TNVS are operating from a centralized hub at Terminal 3.
“For Terminals 1 and 2, passengers are advised to use only official, accredited transport services with transport booths at the arrival curbside. They can also use ride-hailing apps and proceed to their designated pickup points,” the NNIC statement read.
Metered taxis, according to NNIC, are allowed entry strictly for drop-offs, to ensure public access to the airport, but they are not authorized to solicit or accept passengers.
“While NNIC has strict transport protocols in place, we are reviewing additional measures to strengthen enforcement — including tighter monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance, and closer coordination with transport authorities,” the statement read.