Probe fare contracting, over-charging at Macabalan Port – Abbu

Councilor Jose Pepe S. Abbu, Jr. on Monday suggested that the City Council should call the attention of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) regarding the alleged overcharging of fare rates and the contracting of passengers by drivers of motorela, PUJ and van-for-hire on vessel passengers arriving at the Macabalan Port.

The councilor made this proposal during the regular session of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn B. Rodriguez, following the special report of Councilor James K. Judith II regarding the matter.

It may be recalled that Councilor Judith aired his concern that drivers of Public Utility Vehicles have been asking excessive fare to passengers disembarking from ferries in going to the Agora Bus Terminal and other areas.

He said drivers would not take on passengers who do not accept the fare the drivers impose. Trisikad and motorela drivers are charging fare not less than P100 to P300, while taxis and vans, P500 to P1,000 or more, he said.

Taking the cue from Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, Councilor Abbu proposed the matter should also be referred to the appropriate committee for further discussion.

With this, the City Council adopted a resolution requesting the LTFRB to investigate the reported overcharging of fare rates and fare contracting scheme by public utility vehicles at the Macabalan Port area.