P20 minimum fare voluntary, Magalong reminds drivers amid complaints
MAGALONG (Baguio City PIO FB)
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Friday called on jeepney and taxi drivers to be considerate of the plight of passengers who cannot pay higher fares.
Magalong made the remark after receiving complaints from students that some taxi drivers are imposing an additional P20 on top of the regular metered rate.
He also shared reports that some jeepney drivers do not give change to students paying P20, even as some are willing to pay P16 or P5 higher than the discounted fare of P11.
"While we understand the plight of our drivers in the light of the oil crisis, we should also not take for granted the situation of our students and residents who cannot afford to give additional amounts,” Magalong said in a media interview.
Earlier this month, the local public utility jeepney federation sought the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-Cordillera's approval of a P20 minimum fare and an additional fare of P2 per kilometer to help them cover rising fuel costs.
Department of Transportation-Cordillera Director Glen Dumlao, however, said the scheme will only be voluntary and that there should be no complaints from passengers, noting that fare hikes are up to the discretion of the LTFRB central office in Quezon City.
The move came after public utility jeepneys minimized their trips and avoided plying the roads when there were no commuters, leading to long queues at loading areas in the city proper during the afternoon rush hour.
To safeguard the rights of commuters from drivers demanding unauthorized fare, Magalong urged the public, particularly students, to report overcharging incidents to the LTFRB-Cordillera via telephone numbers 074-619-974 and 074-423-1662.
Magalong said while the city has minimized its "Libreng Sakay" (free ride) program, it continues to subsidize the back trip of jeepneys in the evening to encourage drivers to return to the CBD even without passengers. He also said the national government is rolling out the service contracting program.
This is aside from the assistance provided by the city government, LTFRB, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to drivers. (PNA)