Mandaue City Officials Intervene to Regulate Unauthorized Transport Fare Increases
Concerns over unregulated fare hikes have emerged in Mandaue City, where some tricycle and habal-habal drivers have reportedly raised rates without official approval. This has prompted local officials to step in and safeguard commuters from arbitrary charges.
Official Stance on Fare Adjustments
City Councilor Carlo Fortuna clarified that there is currently no formal petition to increase tricycle fares, stressing that any adjustments must follow proper channels. "So far, there is no formal petition to officially increase tricycle fares," Fortuna stated, warning that unauthorized hikes cannot be tolerated. He emphasized the need to protect passengers and explained that fare changes require review by the traffic and tricycle board, which assesses whether increases—such as P1 or P2—are justified based on current conditions.
Barangay-Level Efforts to Standardize Fares
At the barangay level, initiatives are underway to standardize fares and prevent overcharging. Canduman Barangay Captain Dante Borbajo reported that leaders from nearby areas, including Casuntingan, recently agreed on a common fare structure after a meeting last week. "We agreed on a standard fare. The minimum is P25 for habal-habal drivers," Borbajo said, noting that tariff rates are now being posted at stations to inform passengers. Tarpaulins displaying fare matrices will be installed to ensure transparency.
Addressing Economic Pressures and Overcharging
Borbajo acknowledged that fare increases are driven by rising costs but insisted that adjustments must remain reasonable. He noted that most hikes range from P2 to P5 depending on distance, with the lowest fare set at P20 for short trips. "My only appeal to them is that the price must be reasonable. It shouldn't be a P10 increase per person," he added, highlighting that some drivers have been overcharging, which harms both commuters and the transport sector's credibility. To combat this, Borbajo urged drivers to adhere to agreed pricing and avoid exploiting passengers.
Call for Uniform Measures and Ongoing Monitoring
Fortuna has called on barangay officials and traffic units to closely monitor fare practices, particularly among habal-habal drivers. Borbajo encouraged other barangays to adopt similar standardization measures, warning that inconsistent rates could lead to confusion and abuse. By posting clear fare information, officials aim to create a "win-win situation" where drivers can manage rising expenses while commuters are shielded from arbitrary charges. As monitoring continues across Mandaue City, authorities remind transport operators that any fare increase must undergo proper review to prioritize public welfare amid economic pressures.
