UV express vans
QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) discovered in a surprise inspection Thursday, June 7, that some public utility drivers are undercharging their passengers.
At a UV Express terminal at a mall in Quezon City, the agency found that a group of drivers with routes from Fairview to North Avenue was charging their passengers P25 only instead of the approved fare of P35.
It turns out that two competing groups of UV express vans have been offering promotional fare to entice more passengers.
A group of jeepney drivers with routes to Norzagaray, Bulacan is also charging lower fares.
LTFRB Board Member Attorney Aileen Lizada explained undercharging is prohibited and is not in compliance with the approved fare matrix.
“Hindi tama ito because when you dive your price ang mangyayari yung isa bababa rin ang ending wala na silang net pay to maintain the vehicle, wala na for change oil, tune up. Ang long term effect the safety of the public will be at stake,” she said.
The LTFRB is now studying whether or not it will grant the fare hike petitions of some transport groups.
“Kung kaya niyong mag-undercharge kailangan niyo po ba talaga ng fare hike?” Lizada asked.
Those found undercharging passengers will be fined P5,000 for the first offense; P10,000 for the second offense; and P15,000 and franchise cancellation for the third offense. — Joan Nano
The post LTFRB questions fare hike request after discovery of undercharging appeared first on UNTV News.