Taxi fares reduced

Commerce Secretary Andrew Salas has adopted emergency regulations that will decrease taxi fares before the Christmas holidays.

The emergency regulations, which will take effect tomorrow, also enhance the CNMI’s public transportation system by allowing the operation of minibuses on routes designated by the Commerce Department. Minibuses may only charge a flat rate of $2 per person for every trip.

While the regulations retain the $2.50-flag down rate for the first one-half mile traveled by taxicabs, they significantly reduced the 75-cent-per-quarter-mile rate to 25 cents for every additional half-mile traveled. The regulations allow taxicabs to assess an additional $1-charge if the passenger has heavy or large items.

“The schedule of taxicab fares and charges shall be of such type and style as prescribed by the chief [of the Taxicab Commission]. This schedule…shall be printed in English, Chamorro, Carolinian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese…and shall be posted and readily visible to all passengers seated in front and rear of the taxicab,” read an excerpt from the regulations.

The regulations state that, besides the reduction of taxi fares, they also aim to combat drunk driving, which has historically been high during the month of December.

Assistant attorney general Eric O’Malley added that the regulations would make legitimate taxi operations competitive against illegal taxicab operations. He said the move would also encourage tour around the islands, as well as community members to use taxicabs more often.

After a meeting with the Taxicab Commission yesterday, O’Malley clarified that recalibration of taxi meters could take some time even though regulations would take effect tomorrow.

O’Malley said the government would provide publicity incentives to taxicab operators who could have their taxi meters recalibrated to reflect the new rates at once.

He said the government would run weekly public service announcements on the CNMI’s newspapers this month. The announcements will advertise the compliant taxicabs and their contact numbers to help them attract passengers.

Meanwhile, the regulations also allow the operation of minibuses along prescribed routes designated by the Commerce secretary. Unlike taxicabs—passenger vehicles with a seating capacity for less than eight passengers—minibuses pertain to vans or similar vehicles that have a seating capacity for less than 12 passengers.

Minibuses shall pick up and drop off any passenger anywhere along designated routes provided that the stop will not endanger any passengers and any vehicle, and will not unduly impede traffic.

Secretary Salas adopted the emergency regulations last Nov. 18, approved by acting attorney general Clyde lemons Jr. on Nov. 22, and concurred to by Gov. Juan N. Babauta the following day. The emergency regulations, which amend the Taxicab Regulations, will be effective for 120 days unless adopted as permanent regulations.