Students’, seniors’ fare is still P6

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 is reminding public transport drivers that students and senior citizens are entitled to a 20-percent discount of the P7.50 minimum fare they should be charged P6 only.

With classes in public schools starting today, LTFRB-7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said overcharging of fares carries a penalty of P1,500 per offense. He asked victims to report or complain violations so his office could punish erring drivers.

Regular jeepney fare is still P7.50 and students and the elderly should pay a discounted fare of P6 only.  Drivers of several jeepney routes, however, charge students P7, which is tantamount overcharging.

Cuizon said giving of fare discounts to students was suspended during summer but it should be back starting today.

He said that as of yesterday, he has yet to receive an order from LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez to conduct a public hearing on the petition to increase jeepney fare, which was requested by transport cooperative CITRASCO last March.

CITRASCO asked for a P2.50 increase for the first five kilometers. If this is approved, minimum fare for public utility jeepneys in Central Visayas would become P10.

The organization cited in its petition increases in the prices of spare parts and lubricants, among others, as reason in asking for the fare hike.

During the Transport Summit held in Cebu last month, Ginez said that he will just issue an order directing Cuizon to hold a public hearing here with regards to the fare adjustment petition.  (FREEMAN)