PUVs must post fare matrix before charging higher fares — ACTO

Public utility vehicles (PUVs) without a printed fare matrix posted inside their vehicles cannot implement the recently approved fare hike and may face penalties, the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) said Sunday.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, ACTO reminded PUV drivers to secure and post the new fare matrix before charging passengers the higher rates to avoid violations and penalties.

“Yes po, dahil huhulihin din po sila, mapaparusahan din po sila. Bawat jeep po natin na walang fare matrix, e ‘yung taripa na sinasabi ay magkakaroon sila ng problema. So, kuha muna sila para walang problema,” ACTO National President Libay De Luna said.

(Yes, because they will be apprehended and penalized as well. Every jeepney without a posted fare matrix, or tariff sheet, will run into trouble. So, they should secure one first to avoid problems.)

“... Per plate number po ‘yan… ‘yan po yung protocol (That’s issued per plate number…that is the protocol),” she added.

De Luna issued the reminder after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the fare hike for PUVs on Friday, including adjustments for UV Express and taxi services.

The new fares will take effect on Monday, September 28.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) previously said PUVs with approved fare adjustments must post their respective fare matrices before charging passengers the new rates.

The complete fare matrices are downloadable from the LTFRB’s official website.

Under the new fare matrix, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will increase to P14 from P13 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2 for every succeeding kilometer, up from P1.80.

For modern jeepneys, the new minimum fare will increase to P17 from P15 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer, up from P2.20.

De Luna said the fare hike approval was a relief for drivers and operators, particularly amid expected increases in oil prices due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

“Talagang masaya po kami kasi ito po ay malaking tulong po sa amin ‘to dahil sa walang humpay na pag-angat palagi, every Tuesday po nagtataas po ng [presyo ang] diesel. Kaya tuwang-tuwa po kami, kami ay naaprubahan po,” De Luna said.

(We are truly happy because this is a huge help to us given the relentless increase in diesel prices. Diesel prices go up every Tuesday. That is why we are very happy that this was approved.)

For now, De Luna said the group sees no reason to hold a transport strike, citing its satisfaction with the approved fare adjustments. — Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News