Overcharging jeep drivers assailed

Paging Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Commuters assailed yesterday the alleged overcharging of passenger jeepneys plying the Navotas-Malabon to C. M. Recto Avenue in Manila route.

Jeepney drivers servicing the route reportedly charge a minimum of P6 per passenger or P2 more than what is mandated by law.

"They (drivers) have been at this for a long time," Robert Gillut, 28, employee, complained.

Gillut said that he used to ride from Tanigue street and Dagat-Dagatan Avenue to 5th Avenue in Grace Park, Caloocan City almost everyday and he is made to pay a P6 fare instead of the regular P4.

"By the way, P2 is just a small amount. But if you know that you are being cheated right in your face, that is annoying," Gillut added.

To prove his allegation, The STAR took a ride yesterday afternoon from where Gillut takes his ride and proved his allegation.

The driver charged The STAR a P6 fare together with other passengers who also alighted at 5th Avenue in Caloocan.

When passengers complained that he exceeded the right minimum fare, the driver of the jeepney with plate number NXS 804, replied "Yan ang singilan namin (That’s our minimum fare rate)."

It was also learned that several of the passenger jeepneys traversing the said route are unregistered or "colorum."

"That’s the reason why they ignore the regular minimum fare for they are not registered with the proper government agency," a high-ranking police intelligence official said, requesting anonymity.

The official added that this modus operandi of unregistered jeepneys is not unknown to the men and officials of the Northern Traffic Management Group.

"The NTMG should look at this problem for they have the jurisdiction over this matter," the official added.

Superintendent Panfilo Fernandez is the commander of the NTMG. – Pete Laude