A Utility Vehicle (UV) Express operator and its drivers plying the Binangonan-Megamall route have been summoned for alleged overcharging of fares, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Tuesday.
In a show-cause order issued by the LTFRB on October 23, Binganon Transport Cooperative and some of its drivers were directed to explain the alleged overcharging of passengers; otherwise, their certificate of public convenience will be suspended.
Based on surveillance by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the cooperative was found to have been charging a fixed rate of P60 regardless of passengers’ destination.
Meanwhile, passengers who board at Shangri-La along Shaw Blvd. and get off the UV Express at Tikling, Taytay, Rizal are charged P35.
This was confirmed by drivers, fare collectors, and some passengers, according to the DOTr.
One of the drivers explained that the fixed fare was supposedly used by the operator to pay for their loading area at Megamall, the DOTr added.
According to the LTFRB, if the individuals involved fail to appear at the hearing, they will be fined P5,000.
Acting Transport Chief Giovanni Lopez denounced the overcharging and warned that the agency will continue to pursue violators.
‘It is not right that our passengers are being overcharged. They should follow the LTFRB fare matrix. We will not stop cracking down on those who overcharge fares,’ Lopez said in a statement.