Jeepney drivers allegedly charging P10 minimum fare sans matrix

A commuter claimed that a jeepney driver had charged her the new minimum fare of P10, despite the absence of a fare matrix displayed inside the vehicle, GMA 7 news program "24 Oras Weekend" reported on Saturday.

The commuter, identified only as Rosalie, explained that she paid the P10, despite the absence of a fare matrix, because she feared an argument with the driver.

"Kasi po, pababain kami ng sasakyan, eh," Rosalie sheepishly admitted. "Kasi nagmamadali na rin, po. May pasok, eh."

Though the new minimum fare for Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4 (P10 for jeepneys, P11 for ordinary buses, and P13 for air-conditioned buses) was approved last Friday, drivers would not be able to levy the new fares as the fare-matrices would only be issued this coming Monday.

According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, drivers who charge the new fare, but were not in possession of the new fare-matrix, faced penalties - from a P5,000 fine to a P15,000 fine and the cancellation of the COC.

"Sa atin din pong mananakay, huwag po kayong magbabayad ng P10 ngayon (Sabado) hanggang bukas (Linggo)," explained Obet Martin, president of the Pasang Masda transport group.

"Sa Lunes po, pwede na kayo magbayad. Pero kailangan ng isang driver sa jeep ay may fare matrix na nasa likod ng sandalan ng driver." — DVM, GMA News