Davao taxi operators embark on EV fleet shift

The Regional Taxi Operators Association (RTOA), a coalition of local taxi operators in Davao City, is embarking on a shift to sustainable urban transport with the pilot rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) in its fleet.

In a news release on Friday, RTOA, which represents about 70% of taxi operators in Davao, said it presented an initial batch of EV taxis cleared to operate during a press conference on February 19, 2026.

The group said the EV taxis fleet initiative reflects a collective effort by local operators to adopt cleaner mobility solutions while ensuring full compliance with existing transport regulations set by the local government and agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“As proud Davaoeños, we stand ready to help lead the shift to sustainable mobility for our kababayans,”  shared RTOA president Ryan Sia.

“For decades, we have served Davaoeño commuters, and we welcome every opportunity to raise the standard of service they deserve. Today, we take a meaningful step forward – honoring our responsibility to the public and our duty to the future. We are honored to walk alongside the government in modernizing the local taxi fleet, moving hand in hand with operators and drivers toward a cleaner, safer, and more progressive Davao City,” said Sia.

RTOA said it will proactively share operational learnings from the pilot, covering vehicle performance, charging patterns, cost efficiency, and rider feedback, with the local government and transport regulators, including the LTFRB, to help inform a collaborative roadmap for electric mobility in Davao.

The group said regular updates from the EV taxis fleet rollout pilot can guide practical decisions on charging infrastructure rollout and policy refinements, ensuring that regulations and support systems evolve in step with real-world operating conditions and build a more sustainable environment for EV adoption.

RTOA said it is preparing to scale its electric fleet, with Sia noting that the pilot is only the start —“an early but important step that strongly positions local taxi operators to stay competitive as electric mobility takes hold in the Philippine transport landscape.” — BAP, GMA Integrated News