Tag Archives: Transportation

Baguio City Taxi Drivers: “We’re Being Robbed By Our Passengers!”

February 9, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – In most cities in the Philippines, taxi riders complain about drivers “robbing” them of hard-earned money, either by tampering with the fare meter or taking the long and winding road to the passengers’ destination.

Not in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, which celebrates a huge cultural festival this entire month of February, the Panagbenga. The annual flower festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of tourists to this city which boasts of San Francisco-like weather.

It is the other way around: passengers robbing taxi drivers, with the full blessing of the government’s transportation agency!

It would have been a huge opportunity for taxi drivers to earn more income, except for one thing. They’re actually losing 5 pesos each time they take on passengers.

Plastered on the windshield of all Baguio City taxis is a sign that says, “Taxi Fare, less 5 pesos.” So if your final fare as per the taxi meter is 100 pesos, you actually will only pay 95 pesos.

There is a logical and legal explanation to all this, but it is of little concern to the taxi-riding public. What’s important is the 5-peso saving each time someone rides a cab. After 20 taxi rides, you’ll have enough money to buy you a Starbucks espresso!

Government, Politics, Religion

Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya: “To Resign Or Not Is Up To God”

January 27, 2016 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Filipino politicians seem to have mastered the art of self-defense, that is, defense against criticism and the ire of the electorate. Leave it all to God.

That is exactly what Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya did when he announced today that he will quit his position — on one condition: that God agrees to it.

Abaya, President NoyNoy Aquino’s endeared colleague, has been in the hot seat for a long time due to the country’s mounting mass transportation problems — ranging from Metro Manila’s nightmarish traffic to the mismanagement of the MRT light railway to scams at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Abaya maintained that he would seek divine guidance as well as consult his wife and children first before making a final decision. “It is up to God,” he said.

The Filipino people are waiting for God’s answer!

Business, Human Interest, International, Politics, Science and Environment, Travel

MANILA AIMS TO BECOME THE FERRY CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

March 8, 2014 Pol Pinoy Leave a comment

Manila, Philippines – From Chicago to San Francisco, from Hong Kong to Venice, water ferries are a popular mode of transportation for both business and pleasure. Manila wants to be known as the ferry capital of the world and is working very hard to earn that distinction.

This week, the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) unveiled a prototype ferry that would transport passengers from one end of the polluted Pasig River to the other, and it is living up to the Philippine tourism meme of “It’s More Fun In the Philippines.”

The prototype ferry consists of a steel barge lined with used rubber tires and on it sits a yellow dilapidated mini-bus that once traversed the traffic-ridden streets of the Philippine metropolis. “The Pasig River ferry boat will be like no other in the world,” and MMDA official said. “It is not only a ferry boat, it is also a bus,” he added.

The new ferry boats will start operating sometime in April this year and passengers will be charged 80 Pesos (roughly $2) each way.

Instead of life jackets, passengers will be handed disposable face masks in order to protect them from the stench of the polluted river.

Responding to media questions, MMDA said that the new ferry system will not contribute to further polluting the river since the boats will not be using regular gasoline to operate. Instead, the boats will run on lambanog, a popular local wine made from coconut. Because of its potency, the lambanog “fuel” has the potential to kill bacteria and viruses that may be clinging to debris floating in the river. “Quite ingenious,” commented one Manila commuter who says he is so sick of the daily traffic gridlock.

MMDA said there will be 5 ferries operating, each with a capacity of 40 passengers. This means a potential of 200 less commuters on Manila’s overcrowded buses and jeepneys each time the ferries run.