Taxicabs of the Philippines
Encyclopedia
Taxicabs of the Philippines are one of the modes of transportation in the country. They are regulated by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
and by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
. The taxicabs there vary from models and uses. Most taxicabs have yellow colored license plates, taxi signs, LTFRB Registration number, and taximeter
, which is mandatory in every cab.
being the most prominent model. Since the boom of the automotive industry after the ousting of then-president Ferdinand Marcos
in the mid-1980s, more models were seen on the road. Models included the Toyota Corolla
, Nissan Sentra
, Mitsubishi Lancer
, Daewoo Racer, Hyundai Excel
, Kia Pride and Mazda 323. In the late 1990s, taxi fleets started to use Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV) and vans such as the Isuzu Hilander, Mitsubishi Adventure
, Toyota Revo
/Toyota Tamaraw FX, Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace
, Mitsubishi L300, and Kia Pregio - not just because they were cheap to maintain but they offered large seating capacity and offered versatility. Currently, there are scores of taxicab choices, which include the Toyota Vios
, Toyota Avanza
, Kia Rio
, Hyundai Accent
(Diesel
version), and Hyundai Starex
.
Each taxicab has its license plate number printed on both quarter panel
s. The rear of the car has the telephone numbers of the taxicab company and the LTFRB printed to report any reckless driving.
, taxicabs are evident in Baguio City
, Iloilo City
, Bacolod City
, Cebu
, Cagayan De Oro, Davao City
, Iligan City
, General Santos, Tacloban City
and some parts of the country.
In addition, the following cabs are still in use, but are expected to be phased out soon - mainly due to their age and parts availability.
.
due to the high price of gas. Due to increasing summer temperatures, taxicabs have their hoods unlatched while in motion to allow more cool air into the engine.
The need for cars fueled by cheaper diesel gave rise to the adoption of diesel cars such as Hyundai Accent for taxi services.
which premiered in 2011. There were three identical Toyota Vios units that were depicted in the film, posed as just one taxi used by the main character. The taxi is used as a metaphor for violence and corruption in the society.
Department of Transportation and Communications (Philippines)
The Department of Transportation and Communications is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient, and dependable transportation and communications systems as effective instruments for national recovery and economic...
and by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Land Transportation Office (Philippines)
The Philippines' Land Transportation Office , abbreviated as LTO, is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Transportation and Communications responsible for optimizing the land transportation service and facilities and to effectively implement the various transportation...
. The taxicabs there vary from models and uses. Most taxicabs have yellow colored license plates, taxi signs, LTFRB Registration number, and taximeter
Taximeter
A taximeter is a mechanical or electronic device installed in taxicabs and auto rickshaws that calculates passenger fares based on a combination of distance travelled and waiting time...
, which is mandatory in every cab.
History
Taxicabs where already in use in the 1970s and 1980s, with the Isuzu GeminiIsuzu Gemini
General Motors sought a replacement for their world car T-body Kadett / Gemini, and this time, instead of building one design on several continents, they decided to build a world car in one location and export it to several continents...
being the most prominent model. Since the boom of the automotive industry after the ousting of then-president Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
in the mid-1980s, more models were seen on the road. Models included the Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million...
, Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra is a compact car produced by automaker Nissan Motors and is generally a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. The name "Sentra" is not used in Japan....
, Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times,...
, Daewoo Racer, Hyundai Excel
Hyundai Excel
The Hyundai Excel , also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto and the Mitsubishi Precis, was the first front wheel drive car produced by Hyundai. The Excel was built from 1985 to 1994...
, Kia Pride and Mazda 323. In the late 1990s, taxi fleets started to use Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV) and vans such as the Isuzu Hilander, Mitsubishi Adventure
Mitsubishi Freeca
The Mitsubishi Freeca is a compact MPV designed by Mitsubishi Motors and China Motor Corporation for the Asian market, and built in Taiwan, China and the Philippines, where it is known as the Mitsubishi Adventure. It was first released on September 11, 1997, and the 50,000th Freeca was manufactured...
, Toyota Revo
Toyota Revo
For other uses, see Revo.The Toyota Revo is an Asian Sport Utility Vehicle produced by Toyota since 1998. The development started in 1997 and sold in 1998. It shares the same chassis platform with the corresponding Hilux and Hiace...
/Toyota Tamaraw FX, Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace
Toyota Hiace
The Toyota HiAce is a motor vehicle produced by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. First launched in 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan and minibus, van, pick-up, taxi, and ambulance....
, Mitsubishi L300, and Kia Pregio - not just because they were cheap to maintain but they offered large seating capacity and offered versatility. Currently, there are scores of taxicab choices, which include the Toyota Vios
Toyota Vios
The Toyota Vios is a 4-door subcompact sedan developed for the South East Asia, China, and Taiwan markets.Introduced in 2003, the Vios serves as a replacement of the Toyota Tercel , which filled the Asian subcompact market for a 1.5 litre, below the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry, both of which...
, Toyota Avanza
Toyota Avanza
The Toyota Avanza is a mini MPV designed by Daihatsu. It is produced in Indonesia and also assembled contract assembled in Malaysia . Daihatsu designed and manufacturer the vehicle, which is then sold by both Daihatsu and Toyota under Xenia and Avanza name plate respectively...
, Kia Rio
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is a series of subcompact automobiles produced by Kia Motors since August 2000. Two generations have been produced, both in five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, all equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive...
, Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent , or Hyundai Verna in South Korea, is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most...
(Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
version), and Hyundai Starex
Hyundai Starex
The Hyundai Starex is a van built by the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea andIndonesia.First generation models were known in Europe as the Hyundai H-1 and as the Hyundai H200 in the Netherlands...
.
Regulation
Taxis during the 1990s did not have a color coding system but in 2001, LTFRB mandated that all taxicabs should be white. Some taxicab companies, however, still use their own colors to distinguish their units while keeping the roof and pillars white. Airport taxis, on the other hand, are yellow. A taxicab has a maximum operational lifespan of 10 years before being pulled out of service.Each taxicab has its license plate number printed on both quarter panel
Quarter panel
On an automobile, a quarter panel is usually considered the body panel that covers the section between the rear door and the trunk; however, the front section, between the door and wrapping around the hood, is also considered a quarter panel...
s. The rear of the car has the telephone numbers of the taxicab company and the LTFRB printed to report any reckless driving.
Areas where taxis are used
Aside from Metro ManilaMetro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
, taxicabs are evident in Baguio City
Baguio City
The City of Baguio is a highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Baguio City was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway...
, Iloilo City
Iloilo City
The City of Iloilo is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines and the capital city of Iloilo province. It is the regional center of the Western Visayas, as well as the center of the Iloilo-Guimaras Metropolitan Area...
, Bacolod City
Bacolod City
The City of Bacolod , is a highly urbanized midsize Philippine city. It is the capital of the Negros Occidental province. Having a total of 499,497 inhabitants as of August 1, 2007, it is the most populous city in the Western Visayas Region. It is currently ranked as the 17th most populous city in...
, Cebu
Cebu
Cebu is a province in the Philippines, consisting of Cebu Island and 167 surrounding islands. It is located to the east of Negros, to the west of Leyte and Bohol islands...
, Cagayan De Oro, Davao City
Davao City
The City of Davao is the largest city in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its international airport and seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the Philippines....
, Iligan City
Iligan City
The City of Iligan is a highly urbanized industrial city north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, and the province's former capital. It is approximately 795 kilometers southeast of Manila...
, General Santos, Tacloban City
Tacloban City
The City of Tacloban is a port city approximately 360 miles southeast of Manila. It is the first in Eastern Visayas to be classified as a Highly Urbanized City. It is the capital of the Philippine province of Leyte and is the largest city in terms of population in Eastern Visayas...
and some parts of the country.
Ordinary cabs
- Chery Cowin
- Chery QQChery QQThe Chery QQ is a city car produced by the Chinese manufacturer Chery Automobile since 2003. In 2006, the car was renamed the Chery QQ3 in China, when Chery launched their new supermini, the Chery QQ6.-Engine:...
- Chevrolet AveoDaewoo KalosThe Chevrolet Aveo is the first generation of the Chevrolet Aveo, a subcompact automobile manufactured since 2002 by GM Daewoo, the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors — originally marketed as the Daewoo Kalos and prominently marketed as the Aveo...
- Chevrolet OptraDaewoo LacettiThe Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car made by the South Korean automaker GM Daewoo since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback or a five-door station wagon. The sedan and wagon were designed by Pininfarina, and the hatchback by Giorgetto Giugiaro...
- used in Davao City - Hyundai AccentHyundai AccentThe Hyundai Accent , or Hyundai Verna in South Korea, is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most...
- Hyundai GetzHyundai GetzThe Hyundai Getz is a supermini car produced by the Hyundai Motor Company, sold in most of the world except the U.S. or Canada...
- Kia PicantoKia PicantoThe Kia Picanto, known as the Kia Morning in South Korea and Chile, Kia EuroStar in Taiwan, Kia New Morning in Vietnam and the Naza Suria or Naza Picanto in Malaysia, is a low cost city car produced by Kia Motors....
- Kia RioKia RioThe Kia Rio is a series of subcompact automobiles produced by Kia Motors since August 2000. Two generations have been produced, both in five-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, all equipped with inline-four gasoline and diesel engines, and front-wheel drive...
- Mitsubishi LancerMitsubishi LancerThe Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car built by Mitsubishi Motors. It has been known as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times,...
- Nissan SentraNissan SentraThe Nissan Sentra is a compact car produced by automaker Nissan Motors and is generally a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. The name "Sentra" is not used in Japan....
- Suzuki AltoSuzuki AltoThe Suzuki Alto is a small car designed by Suzuki. Its selling points include low price and good fuel economy. The model was introduced in 1979 and has been built in many countries worldwide.-1st generation :...
- Toyota AvanzaToyota AvanzaThe Toyota Avanza is a mini MPV designed by Daihatsu. It is produced in Indonesia and also assembled contract assembled in Malaysia . Daihatsu designed and manufacturer the vehicle, which is then sold by both Daihatsu and Toyota under Xenia and Avanza name plate respectively...
- Toyota Corolla / Corolla AltisToyota CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is a line of subcompact and compact cars manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota, which has become very popular throughout the world since the nameplate was first introduced in 1966. In 1997, the Corolla became the best selling nameplate in the world, with over 35 million...
- most common taxicab - Toyota ViosToyota ViosThe Toyota Vios is a 4-door subcompact sedan developed for the South East Asia, China, and Taiwan markets.Introduced in 2003, the Vios serves as a replacement of the Toyota Tercel , which filled the Asian subcompact market for a 1.5 litre, below the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry, both of which...
- also the most common taxicab - Hyundai i10Hyundai i10The Hyundai i10 is a 5-door hatchback subcompact produced by the Hyundai Motor Company. It was launched in October 2007, replacing the Hyundai Atos in some markets.The i10 is produced in India at Hyundai's Chennai plant for the domestic and export markets...
- Kia SephiaKia SephiaThe Kia Sephia is a compact car that was manufactured by the South Korean automaker Kia Motors from September 1992 to 2003. The name "Sephia" is an acronym of these words: "style", "elegant", "powerful", "hi-tech", "ideal", and "auto"....
- Kia Avella
In addition, the following cabs are still in use, but are expected to be phased out soon - mainly due to their age and parts availability.
- Daewoo EsperoDaewoo EsperoThe Daewoo Espero is a mid-size car produced by the South Korean company Daewoo Motors from 1990 to 1997. It was technically based on the GM J platform and had the distinction of a body designed by Bertone. It bore more than a passing resemblance to the Citroën Xantia, itself also a Bertone design...
- Daewoo Racer
- Fiat UnoFiat UnoThe Fiat Uno is a supermini car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat. The Uno was launched in 1983 and built in its homeland until 1995, with production still taking place in other countries.-First series :...
- Hyundai ExcelHyundai ExcelThe Hyundai Excel , also known as the Hyundai Pony, Hyundai Presto and the Mitsubishi Precis, was the first front wheel drive car produced by Hyundai. The Excel was built from 1985 to 1994...
- Kia Pride
- Mazda 323
- Mazda Familia
- Proton WiraProton WiraThe Proton Wira was a car manufactured by Malaysian carmaker Proton, released as a four-door saloon and four-door hatchback beginning 1993. The Wira was intended as a newer alternative to the Proton Saga Iswara, a facelifted version of Proton's first model, the Proton Saga, as a flagship compact...
Airport taxis
These taxis are only available in airports in the country, especially in the Ninoy Aquino International AirportNinoy Aquino International Airport
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA , also known as Manila International Airport , is the airport serving the general area of Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area...
.
- Nissan CefiroNissan CefiroThe Nissan Cefiro is a intermediate-size automobile range sold in Japan and other countries. The 1989 model was introduced initially as a 4-door sedan, however a wagon was later produced. A large proportion were equipped with automatic transmissions....
- Nissan SentraNissan SentraThe Nissan Sentra is a compact car produced by automaker Nissan Motors and is generally a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. The name "Sentra" is not used in Japan....
- Nissan Urvan
- Toyota CamryToyota CamryThe Toyota Camry is a series of mid-size automobiles manufactured by Toyota since 1982, and sold in the majority of automotive markets throughout the world...
- Toyota ViosToyota ViosThe Toyota Vios is a 4-door subcompact sedan developed for the South East Asia, China, and Taiwan markets.Introduced in 2003, the Vios serves as a replacement of the Toyota Tercel , which filled the Asian subcompact market for a 1.5 litre, below the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry, both of which...
- Toyota InnovaToyota InnovaThe Toyota Innova is a Toyota-designed Compact MPV i.e. being less than in length as per the European system of size classification, produced in Indonesia under supervision by Toyota Astra Motor since 2003. As with Toyota Kijang, which it replaced, the Toyota Innova is produced and first marketed...
Special purpose cabs/FX/UV Express cabs
- Ford Lynx - used as a Coupon Taxi
- Hyundai StarexHyundai StarexThe Hyundai Starex is a van built by the Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea andIndonesia.First generation models were known in Europe as the Hyundai H-1 and as the Hyundai H200 in the Netherlands...
- Isuzu Crosswind
- Isuzu Hilander
- Kia Pregio
- Mitsubishi AdventureMitsubishi FreecaThe Mitsubishi Freeca is a compact MPV designed by Mitsubishi Motors and China Motor Corporation for the Asian market, and built in Taiwan, China and the Philippines, where it is known as the Mitsubishi Adventure. It was first released on September 11, 1997, and the 50,000th Freeca was manufactured...
- Mitsubishi L300
- Nissan Urvan - commonly used as Coupon Taxi
- Toyota HiaceToyota HiaceThe Toyota HiAce is a motor vehicle produced by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota. First launched in 1967, the HiAce has since been available in a wide range of configurations, including minivan and minibus, van, pick-up, taxi, and ambulance....
- Toyota InnovaToyota InnovaThe Toyota Innova is a Toyota-designed Compact MPV i.e. being less than in length as per the European system of size classification, produced in Indonesia under supervision by Toyota Astra Motor since 2003. As with Toyota Kijang, which it replaced, the Toyota Innova is produced and first marketed...
- Toyota RevoToyota RevoFor other uses, see Revo.The Toyota Revo is an Asian Sport Utility Vehicle produced by Toyota since 1998. The development started in 1997 and sold in 1998. It shares the same chassis platform with the corresponding Hilux and Hiace...
- commonly used as Mega/Metered/Coupon Taxis and UV Express Cabs - Toyota Tamaraw FX
Others
Some imported vehicles like the Kia Avella (which is not available locally) are used. They are usually acquired from surplus car dealers.Current trends
Most older taxicabs are powered by Liquefied petroleum gasAutogas
Autogas is the common name for liquefied petroleum gas when it is used as a fuel in internal combustion engines in vehicles as well as in stationary applications such as generators. It is a mixture of propane and butane....
due to the high price of gas. Due to increasing summer temperatures, taxicabs have their hoods unlatched while in motion to allow more cool air into the engine.
The need for cars fueled by cheaper diesel gave rise to the adoption of diesel cars such as Hyundai Accent for taxi services.
In Media
Taksikab is the titular character of a film by novice independent filmmaker Archie Del MundoArchie Del Mundo
Archie Del Mundo is a Filipino scriptwriter and film director. He has written 6 produced film scripts since 2009, and 3 more unproduced screenplays currently in production stage...
which premiered in 2011. There were three identical Toyota Vios units that were depicted in the film, posed as just one taxi used by the main character. The taxi is used as a metaphor for violence and corruption in the society.
See also
- Cars of the PhilippinesCars of the PhilippinesCars of the Philippines refers to the automobile marketing and its evolution in the Philippines, as well as a comprehensive list of every car currently sold with a short description of the car's manufacturer history in the country....