For sale: Fake fare matrix

Authentic looking copies of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) fare matrix, which authorizes public utility vehicles to charge higher fares, are allegedly being sold in Quiapo, Manila.

This was learned by The STAR from a number of jeepney drivers who admitted to having acquired the fake document.

For P300 to P350, a jeepney driver can get a copy of the fare matrix for any route in a matter of hours.

Drivers said passengers have become wiser these days and always ask for a fare matrix before shelling out extra for their fare.

Two months ago, the minimum jeepney fare was increased from P5.50 to P7.50, which can be charged only if a driver has a fare matrix displayed inside his vehicle.

Most commuters will not be able to tell the difference between an authentic matrix and a fake because of the quality of work done by shops in Quiapo and Recto.

The jeepney drivers said they are also not fearful of being flagged down by traffic enforcers and policemen.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deputy chairman Cesar Lacuna, after being informed of the fake matrices, said the LTFRB’s attention should be called.

He added that MMDA traffic enforcers will be directed to be more vigilant against out-of-line PUVs using fake fare matrices.