Airport authorities have given the go-signal for regular taxis to pick up passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 following complaints from passengers about the lack of affordable public transportation.
The Manila International Airport Authority early this year allowed Grab taxi to operate at the Naia and was considering to open the route for Uber taxis.
But the accredited transport company could not supply the required 200 utility vehicles to service the influx of passengers during daily peak periods between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Likewise, the MIAA officials reminds the passengers to exercise caution when riding taxis not accredited by the MIAA.
“The metered white taxis were allowed last year but only during peak hours at the Naia Terminals 2 and 3 arrival areas. This time, the management will allow them to queue up at the Naia Terminal 1 at all times,” Terminal 1 manager Dante Basanta said.
Basanta explained that at least 15 regular taxis will be allowed to form a line at Terminal 1’s arrival extension area, one of the designated loading areas of accredited airport utility vehicles, due to limited space. He added that another 15 units of regular taxis will be allowed to enter as soon as the first group of taxis leave to avoid congestion.
Meanwhile, Naia Terminal 3 manager Ric Medalla said major passenger terminals have thousands of incoming passengers a day, most of them arriving practically at the peak-hour window. He added the MIAA has been criticized for the lack of transportation which is why the authority considered opening the airport to non-accredited taxi companies.
Incoming MIAA officials, which will formally assume office on Monday, expressed willingness to meet with airport accredited transport executives concerning unaccredited taxi cabs at the airport.
Airport Transportation Concessionaires Association Inc. comprised of coupon taxis, rent-a-car service and accredited yellow taxis earlier said the addition of other transportation services at the Naia could jeopardize the safety and security of the riding public.
