MANILA - Transport regulators said Friday they are studying a possible taxi fare adjustment in a bid to encourage drivers to give better service.

"While the TNCs (transportation network companies) have the capacity to surge (increase fare), sila (taxi drivers) wala," Aileen Lizada, spokesperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, said in a press conference.

"How to make taxis competitive? Give them at least a decent income," she said.

Under the proposed fare adjustment, the taxi flagdown rate will remain at P40, but their running fare for every 300 meters and waiting time for every 2 minutes will increase to P5.50, from the current P3.50.

Philippine National Taxi Operators Association president Bong Suntay agreed that adjusting the fare would motivate the drivers to behave better towards commuters.

"Nang lumiit kita nila, nag-iba attitude. When there is fare adjustment, we'll see change," he said.

Taxi fare was last adjusted 8 years ago.

The LTFRB said any fare adjustment would go hand in hand with the proposed memorandum raising penalties for erring public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

The memorandum will suspend the license of PUV drivers for 3 months for the first violation of any LTFRB order, said Lizada.

A second offense, Lizada said, would entail a 6-month suspension of the erring driver's license while a third offense may lead to license cancellation.

The LTFRB is coordinating with the Land Transportation Office for the implementation of heavier sanctions since the latter handles the issuance of driver's licenses.

Lizada added that both PUV and TNC drivers would be required to undergo a refresher course at the LTFRB Driver's Academy.

The LTFRB will discuss the possible classification of ride-hailing services under PUVS in an upcoming meeting with TNCs.

If the TNCs are categorized under PUVs, they may bear yellow or rainbow plates similar to for-hire vehicles.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra meanwhile told commuters: "You should be assertive of your rights as pasahero. Kapag nag-hail ka ng taxi, 'wag mo na tanungin. Sumakay ka na." -- Report from Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News