Manila: Despite the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) assuming operations and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) since September, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) continues to assist them in managing airside traffic control, MIAA General Manager Eric Ines announced on Tuesday. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has mandated a comprehensive crackdown on overcharging taxis at NAIA and has instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office to collaborate with MIAA and NNIC to apprehend errant drivers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the MIAA Airport Police Department and mobile teams are responsible for operations, with MIAA still aiding NNIC in landside traffic management. Ines noted that errant drivers were apprehended prior to the airport's privatization when MIAA was still handling taxi accreditation. He expressed disappointment over the lack of action by agencies responsible for disciplining those endorsed by MIAA.
Ines highlighted that the offending drivers were often unregistered or parked illegally. The NNIC is currently investigating a recent incident involving a metered taxi that allegedly charged over PHP1,200 for a short trip between Terminals 3 and 2, which gained widespread attention after a video of the incident went viral. The NNIC is examining security footage to ascertain the details of the unauthorized pickup, as metered taxis are only permitted entry for drop-offs.
Initial findings indicate that the vehicle in question was not among the accredited transport providers allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. Only accredited Transport Network Vehicle Services, such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi, are authorized for passenger pickups at NAIA, operating from a centralized hub at Terminal 3 in Pasay City. For Terminals 1 and 2, passengers are advised to use official and accredited transport services available at arrival curbsides or utilize ride-hailing apps at designated pickup points.
The NNIC is considering additional measures to bolster enforcement, including enhanced monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance, and closer collaboration with transport authorities. Passengers are reminded that free inter-terminal shuttle buses operate every 15 minutes on a continuous loop throughout the day.
