More than a week before fare hike, some jeep drivers ‘overcharging’ by not giving exact change

More than a week before a scheduled fare hike for passenger jeeps in Metro Manila and Central and Southern Luzon, some jeep drivers in Metro Manila may already be "overcharging" their passengers by not giving them the exact change.

 

This was one of the complaints of students who started the school year on Monday, GMA News' Julius Segovia reported on "Saksi."

 

"May mga jeepney driver na sadyang hindi talagang nagbibigay ng change... Para sa 50 centavos o piso na sukli nakakahiya makipagtalo pa so hinahayaan na lang namin," said one passenger interviewed by GMA News. 

 

Another passenger said she just made sure to pay the exact fare.

 

For his part, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez reminded jeep drivers to always have the exact change.

 

"Kailangan po talagang magkaroon din talaga sila ng sapat na barya ang ating mga drivers," he said.

 

Last Friday, the LTFRB said it found enough basis for a fare hike, and approved a 50-centavo increase in minimum jeep fares, starting June 14.

 

Ginez said this would increase the minimum jeep fare in Metro Manila and Central and Southern Luzon from P8 to P8.50.

 

Under the order, fares will be adjusted as follows:

 

 

But Ginez also reminded jeep drivers to give students a 20-percent discount on school days.

 

Meanwhile, the "Saksi" report said the Land Transportation Office and LTFRB inspected school service vehicles to ensure students' safety.

 

Under LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2004-012, safety standards include:

 

 

—Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News