99.9 % of taxi drivers in Manila are "blood suckers"!
It's confirmed! Almost all, if not all, taxi drivers in Metro Manila are greedy SOBs! In my many trips to Manila, either for official purposes or for family gatherings, I have yet to come across a really decent and compassionate taxi driver. Of the hundreds of taxi rides I took in Manila, 9 out of 10 will attempt to rob you of your hard earned money.
Last January 25, Thea (my daughter) and I went to Manila for the send off of my wife to the USA. It just so happens my sister Sophia agreed to meet us at the bus terminal in Pasay so together we can take the 15 minute ride to my sis-in-law's place in Paranaque. As it was late at night when we arrived, it was more convenient to take a taxi.
So we looked for a taxi. Like nails to a magnet, a group of men gravitated towards us. In one fluid motion, one grabbed hold of one our our baggages; one started "pimping" out a driver; one had his arms around my shoulder "ushering" us to his taxi. We told them our destination. And almost automatically they chorused. "Ps. 350.00, kasi matrapik!" Although we knew it was coming, my sister and I can only look at each other. Of course, we hesitated and politely declined their offer. We decided to wait for other taxis. But to my dismay, all taxis declined the "metro" and demanded the "contrata".
I was tired and did not want to ruin the evening, I decided to talk to one "vampire" and was able to haggle a Ps.50.00 discount. As we made our way to his taxi, one of their henchmen offered to carry our bags. Since he was already clutching our luggage, I agreed. Perhaps a gesture of kindness - I was dead wrong. After putting the very light luggage in the trunk he was asking for a tip. "Kahit pang-kape lang", he smiled. I dismissed and decided to ignore him. End of Episode One.
Episode Two. January 28, Teng, my wife, needed to go to the mall for some last minute shopping before leaving for the USA. As luck would have it, a rarity in Manila, a taxi took us to the mall using his meter. Himala! I was happy. The fare was Ps.60.00.
After the shopping, we opted to take another taxi home. We went to the designated loading bays. We entered one taxi, confident that the meter would be used. As we settled in, the driver said. "Ps. 200.00, po..." Shocked and disgusted, we got off and looked for another. D**n! When we asked another, he parroted, "Ps. 200.00 kasi ang flat rate..." What flat rate?
Finally, we decided to take the jeep. The bill? Less than Ps. 50.00.
I know there is an LTFRB rule that prohibits the "contrata". If not the "metro" should be discontinued because it's just a nifty gadet they attach to the taxi.
Of course, in Baguio, I can proudly say that most taxi drivers (there are a few rotten ones, I admit) are honest and won't suck out your hard earned peso.
Just the many reasons why I love Baguio.
Last January 25, Thea (my daughter) and I went to Manila for the send off of my wife to the USA. It just so happens my sister Sophia agreed to meet us at the bus terminal in Pasay so together we can take the 15 minute ride to my sis-in-law's place in Paranaque. As it was late at night when we arrived, it was more convenient to take a taxi.
So we looked for a taxi. Like nails to a magnet, a group of men gravitated towards us. In one fluid motion, one grabbed hold of one our our baggages; one started "pimping" out a driver; one had his arms around my shoulder "ushering" us to his taxi. We told them our destination. And almost automatically they chorused. "Ps. 350.00, kasi matrapik!" Although we knew it was coming, my sister and I can only look at each other. Of course, we hesitated and politely declined their offer. We decided to wait for other taxis. But to my dismay, all taxis declined the "metro" and demanded the "contrata".
I was tired and did not want to ruin the evening, I decided to talk to one "vampire" and was able to haggle a Ps.50.00 discount. As we made our way to his taxi, one of their henchmen offered to carry our bags. Since he was already clutching our luggage, I agreed. Perhaps a gesture of kindness - I was dead wrong. After putting the very light luggage in the trunk he was asking for a tip. "Kahit pang-kape lang", he smiled. I dismissed and decided to ignore him. End of Episode One.
Episode Two. January 28, Teng, my wife, needed to go to the mall for some last minute shopping before leaving for the USA. As luck would have it, a rarity in Manila, a taxi took us to the mall using his meter. Himala! I was happy. The fare was Ps.60.00.
After the shopping, we opted to take another taxi home. We went to the designated loading bays. We entered one taxi, confident that the meter would be used. As we settled in, the driver said. "Ps. 200.00, po..." Shocked and disgusted, we got off and looked for another. D**n! When we asked another, he parroted, "Ps. 200.00 kasi ang flat rate..." What flat rate?
Finally, we decided to take the jeep. The bill? Less than Ps. 50.00.
I know there is an LTFRB rule that prohibits the "contrata". If not the "metro" should be discontinued because it's just a nifty gadet they attach to the taxi.
Of course, in Baguio, I can proudly say that most taxi drivers (there are a few rotten ones, I admit) are honest and won't suck out your hard earned peso.
Just the many reasons why I love Baguio.
I've had the same experience on my recent trip. From the airport, the cab driver requested a flat rate that wasway too expensive. Since I was tired from the flight and I needed a cab, I just paid it. Ripoff, man. I also had the same experience at Pasay station on the way back. There's always a flat rate plus meter.
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