Davao City Embraces Electric Taxis in Major Sustainable Transport Initiative
The Regional Taxi Operators Association (RTOA), representing the largest coalition of local taxi operators in Davao City, has officially launched a pilot rollout of electric vehicles within its fleet. This strategic move marks a significant shift toward more sustainable urban transport in the region, unveiled during a press conference where the initial batch of electric taxi units was presented as part of the active fleet.
Collective Effort for Cleaner Mobility
RTOA, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of taxi operators in Davao, is leading a collective effort to adopt cleaner mobility solutions. The initiative ensures full compliance with existing transport regulations set by the local government and agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Ryan Sia, President of RTOA, emphasized the group's commitment, stating, "As proud Dabawenyos, we stand ready to help lead the shift to sustainable mobility for our kababayans. Today, we take a meaningful step forward – honoring our responsibility to the public and our duty to the future."
Government Support and Regulatory Alignment
The launch event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by LTFRB-Davao Regional Director Nonito 'Dondon' Llanos and RTOA President Ryan Sia, formally marking the introduction of EV taxis. LTFRB has expressed strong support for the initiative, aligning with the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act (EVIDA) law. Director Llanos highlighted the importance of this transformation, saying, "It's very necessary that we have to move forward to transform our taxis into better, comfortable, reliable, and environmentally friendly vehicles to ensure satisfaction, security, and success for all stakeholders."
Pilot Program and Future Roadmap
RTOA plans to proactively share operational learnings from the pilot with local government and transport regulators. This will cover key areas such as:
- Vehicle performance and reliability
- Charging patterns and infrastructure needs
- Cost efficiency and economic viability
- Rider feedback and service improvements
The data collected aims to inform a collaborative roadmap for electric mobility in Davao, guiding decisions on charging infrastructure rollout and policy refinements. By evolving regulations in step with real-world conditions, the initiative seeks to build a more sustainable environment for widespread EV adoption.
Scaling Up for Competitive Advantage
As RTOA prepares to scale its electric fleet, President Sia noted that this pilot is just the beginning. It positions local taxi operators to stay competitive as electric mobility gains traction in the Philippine transport landscape. The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances service standards, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more progressive Davao City for future generations.
