Rollout of e-taxis in Cebu hits snag

Local

THE planned rollout of electric vehicle (EV) taxis in Cebu has been put on hold as Governor Pamela Baricuatro called for a full public consultation before the program proceeds.

The governor announced the suspension following a meeting with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which had earlier granted provisional authority to Green & Smart Mobility (GSM) to operate around 600 EV taxis.

Under the agreement, GSM will temporarily halt operations to allow discussions on the project’s potential effects on existing taxi operators, traffic congestion, and urban mobility.

The LTFRB said GSM agreed to participate in a public consultation to examine the social, economic, and environmental implications of the EV taxis.

Baricuatro said through Cebu Provincial Government’s official Facebook page that a consultative meeting is scheduled for January 5, 2026, and will include taxi groups, EV operators, commuters, urban planners, and

traffic authorities.

Baricuatro emphasized that her objection is not against EV technology or environmental initiatives, but the manner in which provisional operating permits were issued.

She warned that granting such permits to new operators could disadvantage existing taxi companies that have complied with regulations and paid the necessary fees.

The governor also raised concerns about traffic, noting that the addition of 600 vehicles could exacerbate congestion, parking shortages, and road safety issues without proper planning.

She called for open consultations to ensure transport policies balance innovation with fairness, safety, and public benefit.

“We owe our drivers, riders, and communities a transportation system that is safe, fair, and sustainable,” Baricuatro said.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB-Central Visayas continues inspections and preparations for public hearings on the EV taxis.

A public hearing is set for December 23.

The EV taxi program forms part of the national Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, curb emissions, and encourage fleet modernization.

The program targets a gradual transition of five to ten percent of taxis to electric units.

Local taxi associations, however, have voiced strong opposition.

Chito Obeso, president of the United Cebu Taxi Operators Association Inc., said operators were surprised by the issuance of Memorandum Circular 2025-50, which authorized new EV taxi slots, despite earlier assurances that no new franchises would be issued due to traffic concerns.(MyTVCebu)