MANILA – Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra III on Wednesday warned Utility Vehicle (UV) Express drivers against overcharging their passengers.
“We appeal to UV Express operators to stop overcharging because we will have to enforce the rule,” Delgra said in a Palace economic press briefing.
He said the LTFRB has started preparations to conduct enforcement activities in response to complaints the agency has received from passengers.
“We are now preparing for an inspection as far as the UV Express is concerned. We will operate in certain areas where there is reported overcharging of fare in UV Express,” Delgra said. “So abangan ninyo na lang po. May mangyayari po. (Just wait. Something will happen).”
He said complaints have been received from UV Express units plying the Quiapo-Fairview, Marikina-Cubao, and Cavite-Makati routes.
Delgra encouraged the public to call LTFRB Hotline 1342 or contact the agency through its Facebook page and Twitter to report their complaints.
Meanwhile, Delgra also reminded public utility vehicles, particularly buses, not to charge their passengers beyond fares allowed by the LTFRB, during the All-Saints’ Day and All-Souls’ Day holidays.
“We work closely, not only with LTO (Land Transportation Office) but also with the enforcement authorities in the areas,” he said, referring to the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
He said all LTFRB regional directors have been directed to strengthen their monitoring and inspection of terminals.
“We asked them to coordinate with the bus operators in so far as the operation of the buses is concerned,” he said.
Delgra said nationwide inspections began last week and will last until Nov. 5 “during the time the people would start returning to the cities.”
He said the LTFRB has so far received 805 applications, covering 1,877 buses for special permits across the country. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
