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| Amidst festive season complaints, Tacloban’s government enforces strict measures against MCH drivers overcharging fares. |
TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban’s city government, in a concerted effort with the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), the Traffic Operation Management Enforcement and Control Office (TOMECO), and local police, is taking a firm stance against the overpricing of fares by motor-cab-for-hire (MCH) drivers.
This crackdown comes in response to a surge of complaints from commuters, especially during the festive season when instances of fare overcharging are particularly high.
Recent reports to the BPLD indicate that some MCH drivers have been charging up to P12 as the minimum fare, neglecting to provide the legally mandated 20 percent discount to students. In line with Ordinance No. 2022-15-03, sponsored by Councilor Leo Bahin, the standard fare should be P12.00 for the initial two kilometers, followed by P2.00 for each subsequent kilometer.
Furthermore, the ordinance stipulates that students, differently-abled persons, and senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount. This adjustment brings the fare down to P9.60 for the first two kilometers and P1.60 for each additional kilometer. Each MCH vehicle is required to display a fare matrix, and failure to do so can result in a fine of P1,000 for the operator and P500 for the driver.
The city government is urging commuters to report any instances of fare overcharging. Inspector Gerry Abilar of the BPLD Transport Section has provided hotline numbers (053-832-5249 and 0905-413-4018) for passengers to lodge complaints, or they may visit the BPLD office at the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) Building in Kanhuraw, Tacloban City, to complete a complaint form in person. —iTacloban (Source: CIO)