THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Northern Mindanao has warned public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and operators not to jack up their rates as no increase in fare has been implemented in the region yet.
LTFRB-Northern Mindanao regional director Aminoden Guro said those who collect fares more than what the agency has approved will be penalized.
Guro’s warning came amid complaints from several passengers that jeepney drivers, especially those plying the Bugo-Cogon route, have increased their fares by at least P3 to P5.
He said he received reports from the riding public that Bugo-Cogon PUJs are now asking P25 per passenger where before they were only collecting P20.
He said the LTFRB has not implemented any fare adjustment particularly in Northern Mindanao as the agency’s approval of P1 provisional fare increase has been implemented only in the National Capital Region and in regions 3 and 4.
“The fares that we have approved for Northern Mindanao have remained. There is no increase in fares anywhere in the region,” Guro said.
Those who are proven to be collecting more than what the LTFRB-Northern Mindanao has imposed will be penalized, he said.
For the first offense, the penalty will be P5,000; second offense, P10,000; and third offense, P15,000.
Guro said that drivers must also display the fare matrix issued by the LTFRB for the guidance of passengers so they will know how much they are going pay for their desired destination.
“Non-displaying of the fare matrix is also a violation,” he said.
Meanwhile, transport groups who have petitioned for an increase of public utility vehicle (PUV) fares in the region have yet to substantiate their demand.
Guro said his office is ready to submit any petition from transport group but that this must be justified.
Besides, he added, a public hearing which will be participated by concerned sectors will be held before the LTFRB can act on any petition.