Monday, April 28, 2008

Meter Robbery Techniques in Cebu City Taxis

How do greedy drivers (most of whom are shabu or methamphetamine users) rob you when you ride taxis in Cebu City?

  1. After meter calibration, the drivers use smaller wheels on their taxis that spin faster and moves the meter at a rapid clip.
  2. I noticed one taxi driver of CHC taxi who kept blowing his horn for no apparent reason. The wire that led to the meter was attached to his horn button.
  3. Some drivers have the wire attached to the steering wheel.
  4. Others have the wire under their feet or at the left side on their door.
  5. If you notice a taxi with broken seals, watch out, that's a sign of tampering.
  6. A taxi driver that seems to stop at every red light or does not overtake has a meter that moves fast during idle or waiting mode.
  7. A driver who drives slowly might have a meter that runs real fast, so he disguises this by driving slowly.
  8. Taxis that wait at the port area, airport or at beach resorts don't use meters but use the wholesale method of charging their passengers.