The recent tax reforms have raised eyebrows among transport operators as they try to find ways of operating amid increasing fuel prices, which have been uncontrollable.

I’ve never believed transport strikes could wake up concerned agencies and petroleum giants. Their actions only last one or two days, since drivers are unable to handle more than that – they have to earn a living. I told transport leaders 11 years ago to negotiate with one or two petroleum leaders, at least one of them will give in.

Today, fuel prices vary from one company to another, where smaller players are threatening the petroleum giants. All the public utility transport firms need to do is negotiate, there is no need to go on strike and disturb the streets. Talk to the bosses of these companies, assure them of your patronage, and they will agree on a special rate.

I have friends in the industry that can help.

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There is a new concept called the transport network vehicle service (TNVC), where taxis and private vehicles attached to the system can serve the public through mobile applications. Some taxi companies are opposed to TNVC because they see it as a competition. The truth is it is not.

Imagine the convenience of TNVC for would-be passengers who no longer have to stand under the sun or rain, as is customary when hailing a cab. All they have to do is use the app attached to the TNVC and they can have a taxi or private car to fetch them.

This is not competition for those taxi operators with an old mentality. TNVC only convinces riders to use the service out of convenience, especially with traffic getting worse. Riders also feel safer as the name of the driver and all vehicle data are recorded.

If taxi operators were more open-minded, chances are they would participate in the TNVC system. However, with driver information and vehicle registration in the system, operators that do not register their vehicles with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulation Board would be against the system.

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With President Rodrigo Duterte wielding an iron fist when it comes to modernizing and upgrading public utility vehicles, it is causing a headache for operators who never maintained their dilapidated jeepneys and taxi cabs. In Bacolod City, there are too many dilapidated jeepneys on the roads, emitting smoke that worries the local community over operators’ lack of concern for the environment; and if they’re caught, they grumble. Well…

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This column greets Angela Mijares, Carlyn Martir, Danny Dangcalan, Nonong dela Cruz, Fr. Felix Pasquin, Jennylind Cordero, Marlin Sanogal, Francis Velez, Jeffrey Ferrer, Gino Jimenez, Neph Grandea, Deb Novero, Thea Divinagracia, and Paolo Araneta./WDJ