The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Western Visayas yesterday urged jeepney drivers in Bacolod City to collect only the approved fare rates from their passengers.

LTRFB Director Romulo Bernardes yesterday said the minimum fare rate for Negros Occidental is P7.50 for first five kilometers and P6 for students, senior citizens, and disabled persons.

It is a violation for drivers to collect more than the minimum fare if the destination of the passenger is within the first 5 kilometers from point of origin, he said.

Drivers must also accept the student fare during weekends because universities and colleges hold classes on Saturdays and that they have school-related activities during Sundays, he also said.

Drivers have the responsibility to give the right change to their passengers and passengers too, have to pay the exact fare, he added.

If drivers overcharge their passengers, complaints can be filed at the  LTFRB-Bacolod, Bernardes added.

Meanwhile, consumers’ groups in Metro Manila filed a petition for fare rollback Thursday at the LTFRB national office though there is no decision yet since they are still reviewing it, Bernardes said.

“By experience, when groups in Metro Manila file a petition, the decision is always encompassing, meaning it is implemented in all the regions,” Bernardes added. *LTG

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