Drivers, operators told: Secure fare matrix first

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has requested all bus, taxi, and jeepney operators and drivers, as well as transport network of vehicle service (TNVS) in the city not to collect the new fare rate if they have not yet obtained the fare matrix or fare guide.

Councilor Pancrasio Esparis, who sponsored the resolution which the city council has approved, said this is to prevent abuse.

Among the powers and functions of the Land Transportation and Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is to determine, prescribe, approve, and periodically review and adjust reasonable fares, rates, and other related charges relative to the operation of public and land transportation services provided by motorized vehicles.

Last September 16, the LTFRB has approved a fare increase for traditional and modern jeepneys, buses, taxis, and TNVS, which took effect last October 3.

“Probably aware of the practice of some drivers and operators of collecting new fare rates without first obtaining the fare matrix or fare guide, LTFRB reminded them to get the fare matrix or fare guide before they collect the new rates,” said Esparis.

The City Council likewise reminded the drivers and operators to continue giving the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disability, and students.

Based on the LTFRB decision, the traditional jeepneys will have a new minimum fare of P12 for the first four kilometers and P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer.

For modernized jeepneys, the new minimum fare will be P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

The decision added that for all provincial buses, the new minimum fare will be P11 from P9. The new succeeding kilometer for ordinary provincial buses will be at P1.90 from P1.55; P2.10 for deluxe provincial buses from P1.75; P2.35 for the S deluxe provincial buses from P1.95; and P2.90 for luxury provincial buses from P2.40.

For taxi units, the new flagdown rate will be at P45 from P40.

The decision added that the fare adjustment for taxi service is likewise applicable to airport taxi service which is now permanently authorized to increase flagdown rate by P15 thereby increasing the rate from the previously reduced flagdown rate of P60 to P75 by virtue of decision approving the reduction of fare dated March 8, 2016 under case number 2014-19244.

For the TNVS, although the LTFRB decided not to give any increase in the succeeding kilometer, the flagdown rate for sedan type will be increased to P45 from P40; P55 from P50 for the AUV-SUV type; and P35 from P30 for hatchback type.

The LTFRB has urged the public to report to its 24/7 Hotline: 1342 for complaints of overcharging, especially those who already collected the new fare rate or send messages to LTFRB Official Facebook page or to their official website. — GAN (FREEMAN)