The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a stern warning to eight bus companies operating routes to the Bicol Region, threatening to suspend or cancel their franchises following the discovery of illegal fare hikes. This crackdown comes amid the surge in passenger traffic during Holy Week and ongoing increases in fuel prices, raising concerns about exploitation of travelers.
LTFRB Takes Action Against Unauthorized Fare Increases
In a press conference held on Monday, LTFRB officials confirmed that they will be issuing show-cause orders against the implicated bus companies. According to LTFRB Board Member Greg Pua, the board has received reports of the unauthorized fare adjustments and will not tolerate such actions, as they are strictly prohibited by government regulations.
Monitoring and Public Reports
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) initially monitored and reported that the eight companies implemented these illegal fare hikes over the past weekend. Currently, the LTFRB is actively verifying additional reports of similar incidents and is urging the public to directly report any illegal fare increases to the agency to ensure swift action.
Officials have also issued a warning to bus operators, emphasizing that they should not abuse passengers who are simply trying to return to their home provinces for the Holy Week observances. This move aims to protect consumers from price gouging during peak travel periods.
