VAN-FOR-HIRE (V-hire) drivers plying the Pajac-Mabolo route have raised fares by P10 without authorization from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, citing rising fuel and parking rental costs.
The unapproved fare hike, which took effect Tuesday, July 1, raised the rate from P40 to P50. Several passengers expressed dismay, saying the 25 percent increase was abrupt and lacked prior notice inside the vehicles.
One driver, who asked not to be named, told SunStar Cebu on Thursday, July 3, that drivers are not forcing passengers to pay the higher fare but are appealing for understanding due to financial strain.
“We’re not earning enough anymore. We raised the fare ourselves just to survive,” he said in Cebuano.
Another driver, Coro Capino, said discounted fares for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities remain unchanged at P40.
“It’s not mandatory. We’re just asking for understanding,” he added
in Cebuano.
The route runs from the Pajac Terminal in Lapu-Lapu City to a mall in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
LTFRB 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said overcharging and undercharging are clear violations of agency rules. Any fare change must be approved and supported by an official fare matrix, he said.
“Any unauthorized fare increase is a violation,” Montealto said, adding that first-time offenders face a P5,000 fine. An additional P5,000 penalty applies if the fare matrix is not displayed. Third-time offenders risk a 30-day suspension and possible impoundment. Repeat violators may lose their franchise.
Montealto urged passengers to report unauthorized fare hikes by sending the vehicle’s plate number, time and location of the incident, and the UV Express operator’s name to [r7@ltfrb.gov.ph](mailto:r7@ltfrb.gov.ph) or by calling 09177046862 or (032) 344-9182. / Antonette Caren Arrabis, CNU Intern, with reports from DPC