Recently, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board confirmed that the huge percentage of complaints last year were against the abusive/rude drivers. It was also mentioned, that out of 9,372 cases, 6,944 were taxi drivers. In fact, this year alone, we’ve probably shared a good number of abusive cabbie stories and it’s just the first month of 2016!
Yes. It’s quite alarming.
READ the full details: LTFRB Confirms Lodged Complaints Against Abusive Taxi Drivers Went Up by 43% in 2015
I always take a cab to reach my destination safely. Last week, it was mandatory for me to use a cab because I’m not familiar with the places. Honestly, these rude drivers really tested my patience. I came across different ones and most of them ask for more and were picky.
LTFRB lodged complaints in 2014 and 2015:
| Complaints/Cases | ||
| 2014 | 2015 | |
| Rude behaviour | 946 | 1,082 |
| Overcharging | 790 | 892 |
| Refusal to convey passengers | 1012 | 860 |
So, rather than getting even, I used it to study their behaviour. I asked myself “why are they harsh and why do they choose passengers?” What I did was, I compared several taxi companies I used last week with a private booking system (Uber).
I know some of you might think, “why the hell is she comparing it to Uber?” Well, although, they (Uber drivers) are driving private vehicles and follow a different system, it all boils down to one thing: both drivers provide a public service.
But, see that’s the thing. If both deliver public service, how come taxi drivers act otherwise? What’s the underlying truth behind their dreadful behavior?
And, here’s what I conclude: 1) The Boundary System (2) Mandatory and Random Drug Testing and (3) Solid rules and regulations
Allow me to elaborate each requirement and put a disclaimer, as well:
These requirements were all conclusion to my own study. No government nor companies have paid or approached me to do this. I am just sick and tired of these awful stories about abusive drivers. I know there’s a better way to approach this and hopefully, my thoughts will be able to help lower the number of careless drivers. And, yes, I am aware that not ALL Taxi drivers are crooked.
In fact, he was my inspiration as to why I want some taxi operators to consider these 3 important things.
RANDOM THOUGHTS: 3 Important Things Taxi Operators Should Consider to Help Minimize Abusive Drivers
3. Business Management
Once again, I am not saying all operators don’t know how to manage their businesses. We often hear an entrepreneur or business owner say, that your employees perform well if they are treated with respect and gratitude. These drivers have families. They work for their families. Therefore, treat your drivers the way their families treat them – with respect and sense of belonging.
So, start from there. Perhaps, manage your staff, drivers, or everyone in your company by implementing realistic rules and regulations. Give proper credit when need be. Provide government mandated benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, and more. Think of their families first and your drivers will definitely perform well.
2. Mandatory and/or Random Drug Testing
Do you remember the cab driver who allegedly cursed and hurt the passenger for not agreeing to pay the P250 fare? In case, you missed it, read the full article here. Rude Driver Showed Up at LTFRB and Refuses to Undergo Drug Testing.
According to the netizen, because of the bad behaviour, it looked like the driver was under the influence of illegal drugs. Unfortunately, when the driver came to the LTFRB to defend himself, he apparently, refused to undergo drug testing.
Source: gmanetwork.com
According to GMA report, LTO was able to manage 6000 drug users off the streets in 2013, due to the drug testing program. Obviously, it’s already mandatory for all license applicants, unfortunately, still insufficient.
Now, this could have been easily prevented should the cab operators strongly implement this. ALL CAB OPERATORS must implement a mandatory or random drug testing requirement BEFORE and DURING (random) employment.
I cannot say anything further, as this is pretty basic. In short, it is a MUST.
1. Lower Boundary Rate
I will not sugarcoat this, but this is the main reason why some cab drivers are becoming harsh to passengers – the boundary system.
A boundary system is a system implemented by cab operators to their respective drivers. They ask for a minimum amount on top of what supposed to be their take-home pay. Realistically speaking, with how horrible the traffic nowadays, I don’t think these drivers can fulfill their “boundary” anymore. So, what are they going to do? They would pull off 24-hour shifts and/or drive recklessly so they can arrive at their destination faster. Or they would pick and choose passengers for their own benefit. (Nasaan na ang public service?)
Of course, since they need to be up for 24 hours, they need to result to drugs to keep them awake the whole time. Scientifically speaking, methamphetamine (or meth) users stay awake for days. Hence, they allegedly take it so they can keep up.
Another one is, if the car model is below 2010 or looks depleted, consider taking them off the streets. Moreover, adjust the rate according to the car model. Lower models, lower boundary rate.
Whether this is true or not, drugs can ruin you physically and mentally. With this boundary system, not only do you put the passengers in danger but also the health of your drivers. No one can stay up for 24 hours and be in the right state of mind. Imagine a person who doesn’t have money tapos walang tulog? Di ba gulo yun?
I have nothing against the boundary rate because that’s only way operators or vehicle owners earn. However, it has to be a win-win situation. Because, if the Uber driver can live without pulling off 24-hours, so can any public driver.
As what the drivers I spoke to (who prefer to be anonymous) said: “ang mayayaman lang ang lalong yumayaman.” (Only rich is getting richer, and the poor is getting poorer).
Hungry for Change
Every time we encounter issues about the Philippines’ behaviour and discipline, we are always quick to judge and throw our two cents in. But, we are never eager to do things the right way.
If we are hungry for change, let’s start from within. If you think you can make a difference, try and help. We cannot wait for our government employees and so-called leaders to act on it, as they can only do so much.
Let’s help change the game. It takes two to make a thing go right. (Aminin, napakanta ka rin) :)
If you could suggest one thing operators should change or implement, what would it be? Share your thoughts below.