Drivers, operators annoyed by four-floor queue for copies of fare hike matrix

The Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) NCR office on Monday teemed with irritated jeepney operators who endured several hours of queueing to obtain copies of the new fare matrix.

According to Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras", some operators expressed dismay over the long line that snaked up to the fourth floor.

"Medyo mahirap noong una kasi ano siksikan, magulo parang sabungan," Enrique Cuadra said.

"Ang tagal talaga sir kanina pa nag-aaway ang mga tao doon sa loob nabigla po kami kasi sir hindi namin alam na ganoon kadami ang tao sa loob," added Glessie Magbayad who waited for three hours.

LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra III said he has yet to receive reports from his staff regarding the complaints on the system of issuing fare matrix copies.

Aside from the difficult process of obtaining copies of fare matrix, transport groups also lamented over the fees that operators had to pay following the approval of the fare hike in NCR, Central Luzon, and Southern Tagalog.

The breakdown of the P610 fee is as follows:

• P40 for franchise verification
• P50 for fare matrix, and
• P520 for increase of rate

The LTFRB required jeepney operators and drivers to obtain a copy of the new fare matrix so they can legally charge passengers with the minimum fare of P10.

Violators may be fined from P5,000 to P15,000.

After securing a copy of the fare matrix, Magbayad immediately posted it on her husband's jeepney that has been the source of their livelihood for the last 27 years.

The couple may now collect P10 as minimum fare.

"Malaking bagay na rin po 'yun para kahit papaano madagdagan ng kahit sandaan, dalawandaan sa isang araw pambili na rin ng bigas at ulam," jeepney driver Servillano Magbayad said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News