LTFRB warns PUV drivers after Korean star complains of overcharged taxi fare

MANILA, Philippines — The LTFRB on Saturday warned drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) of dire consequences if they are caught engaging in fare overcharging.

The board made the statement after Joshua Hong, a member of the Korean pop group Seventeen, shared his experience last month with an overcharging taxi driver.

Hong said he was charged for P1,000, which he said, is three times higher the original taxi fare.

“The LTFRB finds unacceptable this kind of fraud committed by PUV drivers — whether to local or foreign passengers,” the LTFRB said in a statement in Filipino.

LTFRB reminded PUV drivers that they could face violations under the board’s Joint Administrative Order 2014, which would end in the cancellation of their certificates of public convenience in addition to the payment of hefty fines.

This is not the first time that foreigners have complained of overcharging taxi drivers in the country.

In 2018, food vlogger Mikey Chen said a taxi driver charged him and his companions P2,300 for a trip from the Naia Terminal 3 to Terminal 4.

Commuters who become victims of overcharging PUV drivers may contact the LTFRB’s 24/7 hotline 1342 or send an email to [email protected].

/MUF