A DIGITAL advocacy group called on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to enforce strict rules against the surge of passenger fares during the holiday season.
“Every year, TNVS (transportation network vehicle service) passengers have been complaining of fares doubling, tripling, and in some instances even higher than that, during the holiday rush, when the service is much more needed,” Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner at Digital Pinoys, said in a statement on Tuesday.
“This should stop now and LTFRB should do its job to protect the commuters from insanely high fares during the busiest season of the year.”
The minimum fare for a Sedan-type TNVS is P45, while fare for an AUV/SUV-type TNVS will be P55, according to the LTFRB. Hatchback-type TNVS have a flag down rate of P35.
Government authorities must also investigate and penalize the continued uptick in passenger fares even as transport companies have already onboarded more units, Mr. Gustilo noted.
“This issue has burdened many passengers, even when booking cars during off-peak hours. This is a clear violation of the rules and regulations imposed by LTFRB,” he said.
In July, the LTFRB accredited 14 new transport network companies, which is expected to increase competition in the ride-hailing industry.
Around 23,000 TNVS units are operating on Philippine roads as of April, the LTFRB said earlier. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
