I think your last sentence summarizes my point of view pretty well: if we want to achieve some kind of road safety standards, make some requirements (e.g., regular car inspection every x month, max. alcohol of y ppm, minimum insurance coverage of z pesos) and apply it to *all* cars. If I cross the street, I wouldn't feel better getting hit by a car knowing "well, it's not a taxi, so the brakes didn't work". It just doesn't make sense if we consider a car "not safe" when it doesn't have a regular inspection, to let most of the cars still drive but have special restriction for a minority of drivers (at least if the issue really is public safety).
Finally, I have to admit I seriously doubt that the inspections that are apparently obligatory for taxis are really effective, given the amount of taxis here that don't have working seat belts...
Finally, I have to admit I seriously doubt that the inspections that are apparently obligatory for taxis are really effective, given the amount of taxis here that don't have working seat belts...