MIAA warns travelers about fake taxi rates

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) once again issued a warning to all air travelers about the unauthorized rate cards being used by colored taxi drivers and illicit transport providers, especially this holiday season.

MIAA Spokeswoman Connie Bungag said that they have already initiated an investigation regarding the recent viral video showing that a taxi driver tried to charge foreign passengers P10,000 each for a trip from T3 to T4.

MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co also met with all NAIA security officials and all NAIA terminal managers to discuss additional measures by which the MIAA can identify those abusive drivers of non-airport-accredited vehicles and turn them over to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Bungag added that the airport management always stated in its public advisory to beware of fake transport rates. They have already coordinated this issue with the LTFRB for a joint investigation.

The airport authority is also encouraging the public to immediately report them to any airport security at the NAIA Terminals or through the MIAA hotline and its official social media platform as soon as they encounter any driver of public transportation at NAIA who presents a bogus MIAA rate card or any abusive and exploitative airport transport service. 

Charging outrageous fees and presenting misleading rates is a serious offense, according to the MIAA's traffic management circular. At-fault drivers might also face fines between P2,000 and P5,000 in addition to having their accreditation and airport access withdrawn.

Co also ordered the ban on regular taxis picking up passengers at the departure area so that the airport authority can monitor those abusive taxi drivers or Colorums taxis who take advantage of passengers at the airport.

The airport authority is also advising all travelers to book only authorized and accredited transport services at the NAIA Terminals; if they want to take a regular taxi, just proceed to the regular taxi lane provided by the MIAA to avoid being scammed by any abusive or exploitative transport service at the airport.

For any complaints at NAIA, the public may call the MIAA Hotline at 8877-1111 or the TEXNAIA (SMS) at 0917-839-6242, or report them through the MIAA official social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @MIAAGovPH).

The MIAA will immediately release an update regarding the result of the joint investigation conducted by the airport authority and LTFRB.