Commuters traveling between Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City are sounding the alarm over unexpected fare increases for van-for-hire (V-hire) services. Following a recent spike in fuel prices, some drivers have begun charging additional fees without official authorization, forcing daily passengers to bear the sudden financial burden.
The P10 Surprise: A Commuter's Experience
For Jane, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City whose real name has been withheld, the fare hike arrived without any prior warning. She was allegedly overcharged P10 on top of the regular P40 base fare during her journey from a mall terminal in Cebu City to Barangay Pajac. According to the passenger, the van fare abruptly jumped from P40 to P50, with no notice or announcement from relevant authorities.
Initially, Jane speculated that the increase might have been sanctioned to assist drivers in coping with escalating fuel prices, which have been influenced by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. However, after checking for updates from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 and local officials, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, she discovered no official notice authorizing the fare adjustment.
Drivers Feel the Pinch of Rising Costs
SunStar Cebu visited the Cebu City mall terminal on Wednesday, March 11, and confirmed that fares had indeed risen from P40 to P50. Several drivers cited higher fuel prices as the primary reason for the increase, highlighting their financial struggles and calling on the government for support.
Despite these challenges, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan has previously urged the public to report V-hire and bus drivers implementing unauthorized fare hikes. Following her announcement, other passengers have also noted that some drivers have raised fares even in the absence of an official tariff.
The Government's Response to Overcharging
Seeking action, the commuter called and sent a formal complaint via email to the LTFRB 7, but as of this writing, it has yet to be acknowledged. However, LTFRB 7 Director Abosamen Matuan stated in a message to SunStar on Thursday, March 12, that the reported concern is being addressed.
He mentioned that enforcers have been dispatched to the area to validate the report and assured that appropriate actions, including fines or suspension of franchises, will be taken if deemed necessary. In an earlier interview, Matuan emphasized that any adjustments to the fare matrix must originate from the LTFRB Central Office, confirming that no such orders have been issued from the head office.
Protection Against Illegal Overcharging
To combat unauthorized fare increases, Matuan has urged anyone who witnesses such acts to visit the LTFRB 7 office to file a report. The penalties for violating the rules are stringent: a first offense incurs a P5,000 fine, a second offense carries a P10,000 fine and possible suspension, and a third offense could lead to a P15,000 fine and revocation of the operator’s franchise. For daily commuters, reporting these violations is essential to maintaining fair and affordable travel options.
