No fare matrix, no increase, says Clavel
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regional director Porfirio Clavel called on operators and drivers of public utility vehicles in the region to wait for the issuance of fare matrices before charging the passengers of the new fare rate recently granted by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
As such, Clavel said drivers and operators should implement the existing fare rate pending the release of new fare matrices and stickers from the LTFRB.
LTFRB chair Thomas Lantion on Tuesday announced the increase in jeepney fare by 50 centavos for the first four kilometers, or from P7.50 to 8.00, and an additional 25 centavos, or from P1.25 to P1.50, for each succeeding kilometer.
Taxicabs, on the other hand, were granted an "add-on" rate of P10. However, there will be no increase in the flag-down rate and waiting time. Presently, the flag-down rate for taxi is P30.
Clavel said drivers and operators who would impose the fare hike without the new fare matrices would be liable for "overcharging."
They have to wait for the fare matrix to avoid conflict with their passengers, Clavel said.
Passengers are advised to list down the plate number of the vehicle, name of the operator and other corresponding details then report it to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the LTFRB. The LTO is the enforcement arm of the LTFRB, said Clavel.
Clavel said they will have a meeting in Manila this week to settle all the matters regarding the new round of fare increase.
Meanwhile, Clavel also appealed to drivers and operators of public utility jeepneys and buses plying Iloilo and out of town routes not to take advantage of the situation in areas where bridges and roadways are destroyed by Typhoon Frank.
His reaction is in relation to reports that some drivers in out of town routes imposed an increase in fare after their routes lengthened with the destruction of different bridges in Iloilo brought about by Typhoon Frank.
Clavel said they (drivers) should only collect corresponding fares in the number of kilometers added in their present routes. "This is not the time to take advantage of the situation. Both, the drivers and passengers should give way. The extension of routes is not a reason to the excessive collection of fares in different affected municipalities," said Clavel.