Senator Shewin Gatchalian is advocating for stronger protections for passengers using taxis and tourist transport services, particularly during the holiday rush when road traffic increases and public transport capacity is reduced.
“We have not yet seen a law that establishes the rights of passengers with the goal of improving the standard of transport services. To address this issue and prevent further untoward incidents in the future, a passenger bill of rights would protect the commuting public from abusive, itinerant and discourteous drivers of taxis and similar vehicles for hire,” said Gatchalian.
This is the mandate of Senate Bill No. 819, An Act Establishing the Rights of Passengers of Taxis, Tourist Car Transit Services and other Similar Vehicles for Hire, which he filed this 19th Congress.
The lawmaker pointed out that public transport is in high demand during rush hours, the holiday season, rainy days, and late nights, when safety and availability are major concerns.
“However, we have seen countless videos and heard sordid stories of passengers who were preyed on or became victims of abusive or negligent drivers of taxis or other similar vehicles for hire,” according to Gatchalian.
He noted that such incidents become more prevalent during the holiday season, when the demand for taxis and other public transport services surges.
Commuters often face difficulties securing rides due to heavy traffic, while drivers may exploit the situation by charging additional fees.
“Instead of convenience or cost-savings, some passengers experience being refused carriage or forced to pay an extra amount on top of the meter bill. There are reports that even tourists have fallen victims to these drivers taking advantage of the situation.”IMT
