Taxicabs of the Philippines
Taxicabs of the Philippines are one of the modes of transportation in the country. They are regulated by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The taxicabs there vary from models and uses. Most taxicabs have yellow colored license plates, taxi signs, LTFRB Registration number, and taximeter, which is mandatory in every cab.
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[edit] History
Taxicabs where already in use in the 1970s and 1980s, with the Isuzu Gemini being the most prominent model. Since the boom of the automotive industry after the ousting of then-president Ferdinand Marcos in the mid-1980s, more models were seen on the road. Models included the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Lancer, Daewoo Racer, Hyundai Excel, Kia Pride and Mazda 323. In the late 1990s, taxi fleets started to use Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV) and vans such as the Isuzu Hilander, Mitsubishi Adventure, Toyota Revo/Toyota Tamaraw FX, Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace, Mitsubishi L300, and Kia Pregio - not just because they were cheap to maintain but they offered large seating capacity and offered versatility. Currently, there are scores of taxicab choices, which include the Toyota Vios, Toyota Avanza, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent (Diesel version), and Hyundai Starex.
[edit] Regulation
Taxis during the 1990s did not have a color coding system but in 2001, LTFRB mandated that all taxicabs should be white. Some taxicab companies, however, still use their own colors to distinguish their units while keeping the roof and pillars white. Airport taxis, on the other hand, are yellow. A taxicab has a maximum operational lifespan of 10 years before being pulled out of service.
Each taxicab has its license plate number printed on both quarter panels. The rear of the car has the telephone numbers of the taxicab company and the LTFRB printed to report any reckless driving.
[edit] Areas where taxis are used
Aside from Metro Manila, taxicabs are evident in Baguio City, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Davao City, Iligan City, General Santos, Tacloban City, Legazpi City, Naga City and some parts of the country.
[edit] Cars which commonly serve as taxis in Philippines
[edit] Ordinary cabs
- Chery Cowin
- Chery QQ
- Chevrolet Aveo
- Chevrolet Optra - used in Davao City
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Getz
- Kia Picanto
- Kia Rio
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Nissan Sentra
- Suzuki Alto
- Toyota Avanza
- Toyota Corolla / Corolla Altis - most common taxicab
- Toyota Vios - also the most common taxicab
- Hyundai i10
- Kia Sephia
- Kia Avella
In addition, the following cabs are still in use, but are expected to be phased out soon - mainly due to their age and parts availability.
[edit] Airport taxis
These taxis are only available in airports in the country, especially in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
[edit] Special purpose cabs/FX/UV Express cabs
- Ford Lynx - used as a Coupon Taxi
- Hyundai Starex
- Isuzu Crosswind
- Isuzu Hilander
- Kia Pregio
- Mitsubishi Adventure
- Mitsubishi L300
- Nissan Urvan - commonly used as Coupon Taxi
- Toyota Hiace
- Toyota Innova
- Toyota Revo - commonly used as Mega/Metered/Coupon Taxis and UV Express Cabs
- Toyota Tamaraw FX
[edit] Discontinued cabs
[edit] Others
Some imported vehicles like the Kia Avella (which is not available locally) are used. They are usually acquired from surplus car dealers.
[edit] Current trends
Most older taxicabs are powered by Liquefied petroleum gas due to the high price of gas. Due to increasing summer temperatures, taxicabs have their hoods unlatched while in motion to allow more cool air into the engine. The need for cars fueled by cheaper diesel gave rise to the adoption of diesel cars such as Hyundai Accent for taxi services.
[edit] In Media
Taksikab is the titular character of a film by novice independent filmmaker Archie Del Mundo which premiered in 2011. There were three identical Toyota Vios units that were depicted in the film, posed as just one taxi used by the main character. The taxi is used as a metaphor for violence and corruption in the society.
