Bus, jeepney fares to go up during GCQ

SunStar file
SunStar file

THOSE who are part of the vulnerable sector will not be allowed to take public transportation once Cebu will be placed under general community quarantine (GCQ).

The vulnerable sector includes those who are 21 years old and below, 60 years old and above, pregnant and sick, among others.

Some 200 buses will be allowed to operate in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu during the GCQ.

According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 regional director Col. Eduardo Montealto Jr., the vulnerable sector will be asked to show their ID before boarding a public vehicle.

He added that the driver and conductor would face a penalty if they gave any member of the vulnerable sector a ride as this is a violation of the Breach of Franchise.

The fine for the first offense is P5,000 and P10,000 for the second. For the third offense, the violator will have to pay P15,000 and possibly have his franchise revoked.

Also in line with the GCQ guidelines for the three cities, the LTFRB 7 announced that the new fare will be similar to that of the National Capital Region.

For non-airconditioned buses, passengers will be charged P11 instead of P9 for the first five kilometers plus P1.85 per succeeding kilometer.

Airconditioned buses will charge P13 for the first five kilometers plus P2.20 instead of P1.75 per succeeding kilometer.

Both airconditioned and non-airconditioned modern jeepneys will charge P11 for the first four kilometers but their rates for the succeeding kilometers differ by P0.30.

Montealto said the jacked up fares are due to the numerous requirements that the operators and drivers will have to comply with for the GCQ.

These include the use of a thermal scanner, masks for the driver and conductor, a footbath before boarding the bus, regular disinfection and handwashing facilities in terminals.

The maximum capacity for each bus will be 50 percent of its original capacity. (HBL / CCP)

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph