LTFRB warns PUVs vs increasing fares

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned operators and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) not to raise their fares without prior approval of the board.

In a message sent to the media,  LTFRB Chairperson Elena Bautista said the board will make sure no bus or jeepney operator would be allowed to raise their fares.

"LTFRB will make sure no operator effects any fare increase without board approval," Bautista said. "We appeal  to operators and drivers to observe fares prescribed by LTFRB."

She said any move to ask for an increase will have to be thoroughly studied and subject to usual public hearings.

Bautista said that upon orders of President Arroyo and the Department of Transportation and Communications, monitoring teams would be deployed to protect commuters.

Bautista said drivers who violate their policy will be reported to authorities and will be penalized.

She advised the public to report all overcharging drivers and operators to the LTFRB hotline at 0921-448-7777 or the DOTC hotline at 7890. — Sandy Araneta