Gatchalian seeks stronger passenger protection amid holiday rush

Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday sought to strengthen the rights of commuters utilizing axis and tourist car transport services, especially during the holiday rush. 

Gatchalian lamented that road traffic increases and the capabilities of public transport systems are lessened during the holiday season.

“We have not yet seen a law that establishes the rights of passengers with the goal of improving the standard of transport services,” he said.

To address such concerns, Gatchalian stressed the need to push for a passenger bill of rights “that would protect the commuting public from abusive, itinerant and discourteous drivers of taxis and similar vehicles for hire.” 

Gatchalian cited Senate Bill 819 or 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.

He noted that public transport services are mostly in demand during rush hour, holiday season, rainy season, and late nights which he described as effective “when passenger safety and availability of other modes of public transportation are primary 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,” he added.

Gatchalian said such incidents particularly increase during the holiday season when the demand for taxis and other public transport systems increases in volume. 

As a result, commuters commonly experience difficulty securing rides amid heavy vehicular traffic, and public transport drivers take advantage and ask for additional charges just to get to their destinations on time. 

“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,” he said. 

Gatchalian noted there are reports that even tourists have fallen victim to these drivers taking advantage of the situation.

He then emphasized that such incidents are often tolerated or ignored due to a lack of laws that protect the commuting public.

Additionally, Gatchalian stressed the practicality brought by the Transportation Network Vehicle Services Filipino commuters.