‘Lazy’ LTFRB leaves drivers, passengers arguing over fare

INQUIRER file photo

Jeepney drivers and passengers hit the “laziness” of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for arguments over fares following the recent reduction of the minimum charge to P7.

Due to the absence of fare matrices issued by the LTFRB, debates between drivers and commuters have erupted over the additional charge for the succeeding travel after the first four kilometers.

BACKSTORY: Jeepney fare cut by 50¢ beginning Friday | Jeep drivers told: Charge P7 or else

Fernando, 60, who plies the Binangonan-Cubao route told the Inquirer that they were still charging old rates for trips beyond four kilometers.

“Minimum (fare) lang naman ang binabaan; hindi yung malalayong biyahe,” (Only the minimum fare was reduced, not the farther ones) said Fernando, who has earned a living as a jeepney driver for 40 years.

When the Inquirer informed him that the LTFRB had set the additional charge at P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer beyond the first four, he said, “Walang sinabi sa aming ganyan.” (Nobody told us)

Meanwhile, a passenger interviewed by the Inquirer wondered why she was still charged P11 for the 5-kilometer ride from the LRT Station in Santolan, Pasig, to Felix Avenue in Cainta.

Based on the recent rate reduction order, the trip should have cost only P8.50.

“Hindi nagbaba ng pamasahe ang mga driver,” (The drivers did not reduce fares) the woman said.

READ: Drivers collect more than minimum jeepney fare

A male passenger said he often protested the overcharging of jeepney passengers to no avail.

“Mapapadebate at mapapaaway ka lang sa mga yan,” (You only get into debates and fights with the drivers) the man in his 40s said.

He blamed the absence of a fare matrix for the confusion and the arguments.

“Ang tamad kasi ng LTFRB. Yan lang ang trabaho nila hindi pa nila magawa,” (The LTFRB is so lazy. That’s their only job and they still can’t do it) the commuter said.

The LTFRB under its chair Winston Ginez has not released fare matrices for jeepneys following the reduction of fares last Jan. 22 which took effect in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4. CB