The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), under the guidance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Z. Lopez, warned taxi operators against overcharging passengers as millions of Filipinos start their travel to their hometowns for the annual All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Atty. Greg G. Pua, Jr. said violations of the existing rules and regulations on fare overcharging, snubbing, and disrespecting passengers could lead to suspension or cancellation of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and other penalties.
“We expect more passengers going to bus terminals and other major transportation hubs starting next week. This early, we are giving a fair warning to all taxi operators to behave and stick to the rules and regulations of the authority to operate issued to them,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
This is in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to ensure comfortable and hassle-free travel for Filipinos through strict implementation of rules and regulations on public transportation.
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) said it is expecting around 1.9 million passengers to troop to its establishment for the entire “Undas” break, while the Philippine Ports Authority also expects roughly the same number of passengers in various ports across the country.
Acting Chairman Pua said they expect more passengers to proceed to other bus terminals in Quezon City, Manila, Pasay City, Caloocan City, and Muntinlupa, where provincial bus terminals are also located.
Amid the expected influx of passengers, Acting Chairman Pua said that the LTFRB law enforcement and social media team will also be active in monitoring complaints and compliance with the CPC rules and regulations.
He said LTFRB law enforcers will be conducting random and surprise visits and are expected to tap the services of mystery riders.
On the part of the LTFRB social media team, he said it was tasked to regularly monitor viral posts and other complaints that are sent to the agency via social media tags, messaging, and even calls.
“The LTFRB is in full force when it comes to monitoring. This should serve as a strong message to both operators and drivers that we are watching you, and that you know what would happen if we catch you,” said Acting Chairman Pua.
He also urged netizens to report any incident of abuse to the LTFRB Hotline 1342 and other social media accounts of the agency.
“We assure all our kababayan that we will be actively monitoring and will be quick in acting on all their complaints,’ said Acting Chairman Pua.
“Magtulong-tulong tayo para bigyan ng leksyon ang mga abusadong PUV driver para sa maayos, komportable at kapanatagan sa pagbiyahe ninyo ngayong Undas,” he added.
