THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urged commuters to file complaints against jeepney drivers who overcharge.
LTFRB 7 Director Reynaldo Elnar said that the minimum fare now is P6.50 and the discounted rate for students and senior citizens is P5.20. If jeepney drivers are collecting P7 or refusing to give discounts to students and senior citizens, they can be prosecuted for overcharging.
“Jeepney drivers should remember that the penalty for overcharging is P5,000 under the Joint Administrative Order, or JAO 2014-001. If 20 students or senior citizens will file complaints of overcharging against a driver, the driver can be penalized with up to P120,000,” Elnar said.
The jeepney operators are also penalized with the same amount.
LTO
JAO was jointly issued by LTFRB, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in 2014.
Elnar said operators should advise their drivers to follow the law on fares to avoid trouble.
LTFRB Board Member Antonio Enrile Inton told Sun.Star Cebu that the Board en banc has calendared today several cases filed by commuters against abusive drivers.
Reckless
The cases involve overcharging, counter-flowing, reckless driving, refusal to grant discounts to senior citizens and students, arrogance and discourtesy, threatening passengers with physical assault and vehicular accident.
Discourteous
In LTFRB Case 2000-02034, operator Pablo Garado is facing charges for “employing arrogant and discourteous driver,” which may lead to a fine of P5,000 or suspension of his franchise.
Elnar also heard reports that several jeepney drivers are collecting P7 or not giving change to passengers.
“We need complainants to conduct investigation. Once we receive a complaint, we will immediately summon the drivers and operators to answer it. Once they are found guilty, we will impose the penalty right away,” Elnar said.