Bus companies using photocopies of fare matrix?

BUTUAN CITY — Small jeepney and tricycle drivers and operators here have started complaining over the "unfair" practice of big bus companies of using "photocopied" fare matrices instead of using the original copies sold at P520 each by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) nationwide.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved a P1.50 fare hike nationwide last June 12 for the first four kilometers and P1 per kilometer for the succeeding kilometers.

But LTFRB offices nationwide ordered all public utility vehicle owners to post in their vehicles, whether buses or jeepneys, original copies of the fare matrix bearing the increase in fare rates.

Concerned small jeepney operators and drivers here said that while they are strictly following DOTC’s orders, big bus companies whose owners allegedly have political connections are grossly violating the order by posting "photocopies" of fare matrices, which only cost them P1.

"While we are paying P520 for the fare matrix, big bus companies only buy one and photocopy the rest. Isn’t it unfair?" Roel Salamat, a PUJ operator here, asked.

Editha Radaza, Assistant Regional Director of DOTC Caraga Regional office told The STAR in an exclusive interview that such practice is "illegal."

Radaza said only "original copies" of fare matrices are allowed to be posted in every single bus, so bus companies have to pay P520 for every fare matrix."

However, if two or more buses have the same LTFRB case number, the bus company will only be required to purchase one original fare matrix. The other copies can be purchased at P100 each.

Radaza added that starting yesterday, DOTC and LTFRB personnel will conduct routine inspection of fare matrices to all PUJs and PUBs plying the Cagara route.

"Those found to have no original fare matrix will be fined and advised not to ply the route again unless the original fare matrix is posted," Radaza said.

The LTFRB has given jeepney and bus operators until the end of this month to secure original fare matrices.

Meanwhile, Butuan Auto Calesa Operators and Drivers Association (BACODA) here in Butuan City are dismayed over the recent fare increase, saying that the sacrifices they made for seeking the fare hike benefited mostly PUJs and PUBs plying provincial routes.

Willy Cubillas, BACODA president, claimed that while they are happy over the P1.50 increase, the ones that did not cooperate with their protest are now harvesting the fruits of their labor.