Commuters in Davao City could soon ride cleaner taxis as the Regional Taxi Operators Association (RTOA) launched its first batch of electric vehicles (EVs) amid a pivot to sustainable urban transport.

RTOA, which represents about 70 percent of local taxi operators, said Friday that it is modernizing its fleet while ensuring full compliance with transport regulations, including those of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“For decades, we have served Davaoeno commuters, and we welcome every opportunity to raise the standard of service they deserve. Today, we take a meaningful step forward – honoring our responsibility to the public and our duty to the future,” RTOA President Ryan Sia said.

“We are honored to walk alongside the government in modernizing the local taxi fleet, moving hand in hand with operators and drivers toward a cleaner, safer, and more progressive Davao City,” he added. 

On the regulatory side, the LTFRB said the pilot will generate data on vehicle performance, charging patterns, cost efficiency, and rider feedback. 

The insights will help guide local government and LTFRB decisions on infrastructure and policies, supporting broader EV adoption.

“LTFRB acknowledges the importance of the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act or EVIDA law. 

We must move forward, we have to transform our taxis into better, more comfortable, reliable, environmental, and friendly taxis to make sure that the triple S: satisfaction, security, and success will be experienced by our taxi drivers, operators, and our passengers,” said LTFRB XI Regional Director Nonito Llanos III.

The government targets 50 percent EV adoption by 2040 under the Comprehensive Roadmap for the EV Industry, which calls for 2.45 million EVs and 20,400 charging stations nationwide.