LTFRB to go after overcharging jeepney drivers

The Land Transportation Franchise and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Wednesday that it would go after abusive jeepney drivers who overcharge their passengers.

“We will test the route of the jeepneys kasi baka nag-oovercharging na yung iba,” LTFRB board member Aileen Lizada told reporters after a hearing on the petition of jeepney operators to increase fares.

Lizada made the statement after Arlis Acao, a commuter from Bicol, said during the hearing that a jeepney driver had overcharged him.

According to Acao, the length of the trip was only 7.9 kilometers but jeepney drivers often charge him around P16 up to P20 maximum.

Lizada said Acao’s trip should only cost around P14 if the proper computation would be followed.

The minimum fare for a single passenger would cost P8 and an additional of P1.50 per kilometer.

Lizada advised jeepney operators not to overcharge their passengers.

“Dapat din po ayusin natin yung pagpapatakbo ng ating jeeps, wag po tayong mag overcharge,” she said.

“Kung nagcha-charge po kayo ng sobra-sobra, hindi naman po tama yun, hindi po fair sa mga mananakay,” she added.    /muf