ONE of the passengers of a van-for-hire (V-hire) was surprised when instead of P40, the collector asked him for a P50 fare from the Pajac terminal in Lapu-Lapu City to a mall in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
Gary (who requested anonymity), one of the passengers who came forward to SunStar Cebu, said that the 25 percent increase came as a surprise, considering that there was no prior announcement or tariff notification posted inside the vehicle.
He questioned the basis for the P10 fare hike, describing it as a significant jump and pointing out that it’s unclear how the transport service determined the new rate.
Gary said that adding an extra P10 per ride or P20 daily would amount to P120 per week or P480 per month, an amount he could use for other important expenses.
“I travel six times a week, back and forth from Lapu-Lapu to Cebu City. It would be a huge jump in my budget,” Gary said.
“I urge transport operators to clarify the basis for the recent fare increase and ensure transparency in its implementation,” he added.
SunStar Cebu visited the Pajac terminal and confirmed with a terminal staff member that the new fare took effect on Tuesday, July 1.
The staff added that students and senior citizens are eligible for a P40 discounted fare, while regular passengers are required to pay the new rate.
SunStar Cebu sought comment from the drivers’ association, but they declined an interview on Wednesday, July 2. / DPC