THE REGION XI Taxi Operators Association (RTOA) officially launched its first fleet of Electric Vehicle (EV) taxis on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in a ceremony held at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI office in Puan, Talomo District.
Regional officials and transport leaders unveiled the modern units from major fleets, including Maligaya, Krizia, Durian City, and Ma-ro Taxi.
LTFRB-Davao regional director Nonito “Don” Llanos said the transition aligns with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) to modernize the aging taxi fleet into comfortable, reliable, and environmentally friendly “green taxis.”
“It is necessary that we move forward to transform our taxis,” Llanos said.
“Our goal is to ensure the ‘Triple S’—Satisfaction, Security, and Success—is experienced by our drivers, operators, and, most importantly, our passengers,” he added.
Meanwhile, RTOA president Ryan Sia emphasized that the shift is about more than just new cars. It is about “mobility and reliability for the benefit of every Davaoeño.”
Sia assured the public and the labor sector that the transition would be inclusive.
“We are ensuring that taxi operators continue to play a major role in Davao City’s mobility. Training and guidance will be provided to drivers so they can operate these vehicles confidently. Our goal is to make this transformation tactical and manageable for everyone,” Sia added.
The EV units are expected to begin plying the city’s streets immediately, offering a quieter and emission-free alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
