The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched an investigation into a UV Express operator accused of imposing unauthorized fares on commuters traveling between Binangonan, Rizal and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
According to the LTFRB, Binganon Transport Cooperative and several of its drivers were ordered to appear before the agency after reports surfaced that they were charging a fixed fare of P60, regardless of distance traveled. The show-cause order, dated October 23, warned that failure to respond could result in the suspension of their certificate of public convenience.
A surveillance operation conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed the irregularity. Passengers reportedly paid a uniform P60 fare even for short trips, while those boarding at Shangri-La along Shaw Boulevard and alighting at Tikling, Taytay were charged P35—rates higher than the government-approved fare matrix.
One driver admitted to investigators that the fixed-rate system was supposedly meant to cover the cooperative’s payment for their Megamall loading area.
Acting Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez denounced the practice, emphasizing that operators have no right to arbitrarily set fares. “It’s unacceptable for commuters to shoulder costs beyond the approved rate. The LTFRB fare matrix must be followed strictly,” Lopez said. “We will continue to go after violators and protect passengers from exploitation.”
The LTFRB reminded all UV Express operators that fare overcharging carries a P5,000 penalty and may lead to suspension or revocation of their franchise. The agency urged commuters to report similar incidents through official DOTr and LTFRB hotlines to help ensure fair and transparent public transport services.