For overcharging fares LTFRB-7 urges passengers to file complaint vs PUJ drivers

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 is encouraging passengers of public utility jeepneys in Cebu to file a complaint before their office against drivers who continue to overcharge fares.

LTFRB-7 regional director Ahmed Cuizon said that one can always file a complaint, but the complainant must be prepared to come and face the driver at a scheduled adjudication.

“The good thing that could arise when a citizen takes it upon himself to correct erring drivers is that as soon as they learn that some passengers are standing up for their rights, they will cringe in fear and shape up. The penalty for overcharging is P1,500 and that’s a heavy fine to pay. How many .50cents is that?” Cuizon pointed out.

 It has been observed that some jeepney drivers and conductors are not following the P7.50 minimum fare and opted to collect P8.00 from the passengers.

Several passengers are overcharged by .50 cents but opt to remain silent to avoid verbal altercations.

Some passengers blame the drivers for not preparing .25 cents while drivers blame passengers for not giving them the exact amount.

“I always advise passengers nga magtiner og tag .25 cents aron way rason ang drivers nga way sensiyo. Always possessing the exact change is a smaller problem than if the fares were increased to P9.00, (I always advise passengers to bring .25 centavo coins with them so that drivers will not be able to use not having loose change as their excuse.)” Cuizon said.

The LTFRB has ordered a .50 cents fare rollback effective May 15, 2012 making PUJ minimum fare from P8.00 to P7.50, to the dismay of the fare hike petitioners who wanted to increase the minimum fare to P9. — (FREEMAN)