Judith calls to end ‘fare contracting of passengers’ at Macabalan port

“ASA naman ang atong pagka “The City of Golden Friendship” nga dinhi pa lang daan sa atong ganghaan, sa dunggoanan ato naman silang (mga bisita/pasehero) gituok.

This was pointed out by Councilor James K. Judith II in his special report on Monday’s regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez as he called on LTFRB and RTA to stop the practice of public utility vehicle drivers who are into fare contracting passengers at the Macabalan Port instead of just charging the legal fare.

Judith said most of the drivers of PUVs such as jeepneys, taxis, motorelas, vans, motorcycles (habal-habal) and even “trisikads” have been asking exorbitant “pakyaw” services to passengers disembarking from ferries.

Trisikad and motorelas offer fare rates not less than P100 and P300, respectively, while taxis and vans charges P500 to 1000 or more. This is not only very abusive and unreasonable but may taint the friendly image of the city, lamented the councilor.

The predicament is in contrast to the city’s two bus terminals (Eastbound and Westbound) and even in Laguindingan airports. where passengers are given options to take Donsals or Magnum Vans offering reasonable fare rates.

“Kung dili ni nato masumpo makahatag baya ni’g kadaot sa kadungganan ug imahen sa atong dakbayan. Makaingon ang atong mga bisita asa naman ang giingon nga Dakbayan sa Bulawanong Panaghigalaay”?, Judith strongly emphasized.

The matter was referred to the committee on public utilities chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo for appropriate action.