Jeepney drivers warned: Reduce fares or else

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board warned passenger jeepney drivers and operators yesterday to lower their fares as ordered by the LTFRB or face sanctions.

Jeepney fares were lowered in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and South Luzon regions beginning yesterday.

Sanctions include suspension or revocation of franchises.

"We will monitor and see if this is implemented. If the drivers will not implement the new fare, passengers could complain and call up the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) Action Center Hotline 7890," said LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion.

Violators would be summoned and be given a chance to explain their side. "We could give them first a warning. A dialogue is first made here. If they really are recidivist, it may happen. But I hope it would not come to this. But we want to have a dialogue first with them," said Lantion.

Efren de Luna, president of the Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators, said their group backed the fare reduction.

"First of all we are supporting the reduction of fares for this Christmas season as ordered by the LTFRB. We are now going around Metro Manila to different terminals distributing the notices about the reduction of fare to remind all drivers and passengers that the minimum fare now is only P7," he said.