Iligan Taxi or PU?
"What's the Difference?"
Do you know the difference between Iligan taxi and the PU?
Hmmm…I'm just wondering how many of you know this because I'll be completely honest with you...I didn't know.
At the end of this page, you will learn everything you need to know about the Iligan taxi and the PU.
First, Let's Talk About the Taxi!
I like the taxi service in Iligan. One company in particular has well-maintained cars and the air-conditioning is superb!
Taxi is another easy way to getting around the city – for shopping, sightseeing, and family outings.
Nowadays, they operate by radio dispatch so you can be picked up where ever you may be with just a phone call to their office.
Just imagine that...
It wasn't very long ago (for some of us) one only needs to send "inday" or "dodong" to the corner of the street to flag down a taxi…
--- with this extra instruction, “kuha-a sad nang maayo ug itsura!” which translates, “get the nice looking one”. Yeah, remember?
Just think with instant access to phones and cellphones you save “inday” or “dodong” a trip to the street corner, because now getting a taxi in Iligan is just a phone call away.
Currently, the flag down rate for the Iligan taxi is now Php40 and Php2.5 for the succeeding meters (I think it's every 300 meters). A typical trip can cost you about Php70-80 no more than two US dollars this largely depends on the distance traveled.
Drivers however may charge higher if they notice that you are a tourist, hence your cost of the trip may just double in price.
If all possible, know exactly where you’re going and be ready with some small change. Because Iligan taxi drivers will tell you they don't carry change.
No doubt, you have a very good reason why either you take a taxi in the first place - for comfort or you’re running late or “late na gyud” (really late).
Of course, arriving with every strand of hair in place? Lovely!
For busy people, arriving on time for an appointment? Priceless!
Just like in other places, taxi drivers can take you to longer routes thus, making more money for them. Besides, by knowing the streets and names of places you want to go, this will give them the impression that you know your way around the city.
Most of the drivers in Iligan are pleasant so never hesitate to give them a tip for nice service.
At Last, A Short Story About the PU...
While growing up in Iligan I can recall when someone needs to go out my folks would say, “Pagsakay na lang ug PU” (Take the PU). Back then, I never bothered to ask my folks the meaning of PU. I just assumed the PU was the minica and the minica was the PU. Right?
Aha! Caught you smiling! Why the smile when you read “minica”?
...it’s okay, no need to explain.
But I have to say, that smile has just revealed a lot about you. Oooops!
Anyway, later on, as you and I grew up the minica slowly vanished --- gone. No more minica, now the small white cars are called the PU.
Now, I hear folks call those small white cars – the PU - looks like an Iligan taxi but they’re not.
Similar to a taxi, right? Takes you door-to-door. Well, yes except…
The taxi has a meter and air-conditioning, the PU does not.
Trust me. You will appreciate this little knowledge when you're in Iligan during the hot summer months. You don’t need to suffer under the scorching sun when you can enjoy your travel to Iligan!
Yes, both can take you exactly to your destination without you having to take a jeepney, sikad or
habal-habal
, the difference, with the taxi, you travel in comfort.
Next, if you find yourself in Iligan and have to take the PU, I suggest you first have an agreement with the driver about the fare. If you find it too expensive, don’t be afraid to get another one.
Don’t worry, there are lots of PU’s in the city. You need not even look for them – the driver will spot you, his prospect passenger - very easily, I might add.
Just remember, a PU is usually a small white car with no meter and air-conditioning.
I’m sure you'll agree with me that when you want to visit the nearby waterfalls and Timoga in comfort, taking a taxi is the way to go!
Just a Simple Reminder...
Drivers are out here are always in a hurry. They’re all in a race to…
I really don't know!
How about traffic rules and courtesy? Well, you be the judge.
Many times, I found myself pretending to step on the brakes or jerking my legs sideways as if trying to avoid a vehicle. On few occasions, I have to tell the driver that I have no plans of dying with him. Of course, it’s an exaggeration but it works. Somehow reminded of his fragile being, he slows down.
What you need to know about is that you can expect to find yourself in similar situation when you visit Iligan or when you visit the Philippines.
Listen to me; don’t hesitate to tell the Iligan taxi driver, “manong” or “manoy” to slow down. You didn’t pay for a roller coaster ride, did you?
Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals do, catch a colorful jeepney or experience the thrill
riding the bus!
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