BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Western Visayas has warned Public Utility Vehicle drivers against unauthorized fare increases.
The warning came on the heels of social media complaints as netizens aired out concerns of unauthorized fare hikes by jeepney drivers plying the Bata-Libertad, and Mandalagan-Libertad routes.
LTFRB-6 spokesperson Lawyer Salvador Altura told DNX these drivers who do not follow the fixed and authorized rates will be penalized.
He added concerned persons may also file their complaints before the local cooperative where the driver belongs to.
Altura said fare hikes should always have legal authorization.
The pre-COVID rate matrix according to the lawyer took effect last 30 August 2018 and was amended last 8 May 2020 bringing new fare rates during the strike of COVID 19.
He stressed that the new fare rates still apply, and cannot revert to the old ones unless an order to do so is handed down.
However, there no such order for reversal has been issued as of today.
LTFRB 6 on August 2018 has implemented an P8.50 regular fare for every first 4 kilometers and an additional of P1.15 per succeeding kilometer on Public Utility Jeepneys.
However, last 18 May 2020, the authority board has increased the regular PUJ fare by up to P0.92 bringing it to P9.00 on the first 4 kilometers and additional P1.50 per succeeding kilometer.
