Tuesday, July 15, 2008 Operators troop to secure matrix
THOUGH many public utility jeepneys (PUJs) do not display yet the required fare matrix, many passengers have opted to pay the minimum P8 fare.
City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem received this feedback as he monitored the first day of the implementation of the new fare in Cebu City.
Jakosalem heads the City Council committee on energy, transportation, communication, and other utilities.
“Naay mga pasahero nga kasabot man sad (There are some passengers who understand). Some even paid the new fare bisan walay (even without the) matrix. Anyway, it is just a matter of time before all jeepneys get the matrix,” he said.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned operators and drivers not to collect P8 as minimum fare if they have yet to secure the green fare matrices.
The agency is extending the period for operators to get the matrices, which are issued per unit and not per applicant.
Complaints against erring drivers, including those who do no give the required 20 percent discount for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, should be addressed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTO 7 Legal Counsel Vicente Gador Jr. has warned that aside from a P500 fine for overcharging, drivers may also be suspended if found guilty of having committed the same offense within a 12-month period.
Also, Jakosalem reminded City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) enforcers that their main duty is to manage the traffic situation and not to go after those who collect the new fare without the matrices.
“Si mayor (Tomas Osmeña), iyang order sa una pa nga dili mo-apil og dakop ang mga traffic enforcers aning mga walay taripa (ordered traffic enforcers not to apprehend jeepneys that don’t have matrices). Besides, ingon si (LTFRB) director (Romulo) Bernardes nga dili pwede mangolekta kung walay (said not to collect if there’s no) matrix,” he said.
The councilor said enforcers already have their hands full in ensuring smooth traffic flow.
“It defeats the purpose of them being managers of traffic. So unless dako ang complaint, they should stick to their main task. What I am told also is that daghang pasahero namayad bisan walay (a lot of passengers pay even without the) matrix,” he said. (RHM)
