Commuters in Metro Manila are struggling to book ride-hailing services and taxis as worsening traffic conditions signal the start of the Christmas season.
The GMA Integrated News team observed heavy traffic along EDSA, Metro Manila’s busiest highway, around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Congestion was noted in Cubao and at U-turn slots near malls, which are common bottlenecks during the holiday season.
Taxi drivers are refusing certain passengers, citing heavy traffic and high fuel prices, despite regulations prohibiting such practices.
“Sasaksak ka sa ganoong masikip, dala-dalawang oras wala kang kikitain, eh ang taas ng gasolina,” explained a taxi driver in Jaime Santos’ Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report.
(You will pass through congested roads, spend two hours, and with high gasoline prices, you won’t earn anything.)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) recently raised the taxi flag-down rate to P50. However, many drivers argued this adjustment was still insufficient given current fuel costs.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), year-to-date adjustments as of November 26, 2024 show a net increase of P10.45 per liter for gasoline and P9.75 per liter for diesel, while kerosene prices saw a net decrease of P1.50 per liter.
Booking woes
Even before the holidays, commuters have reported difficulties in securing rides, both with taxis and transport network vehicle services (TNVS).
“Mahirap po, mahirap talaga lalo na rush hour,” said one commuter.
(It is difficult, especially during rush hour.)
“Mahirap na po mag-book kasi busy na silang lahat,” another commuter shared.
(It is difficult to book because they are all busy.)
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expects traffic on EDSA to peak at 500,000 vehicles daily this December, significantly higher than the usual 421,000. The MMDA has deployed personnel near malls to manage traffic buildups.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pledged to intensify its road presence to address the anticipated vehicle influx during the Christmas season. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA Integrated News