PUJ drivers told not to cut trips

PASSENGER jeepney drivers were reminded not to cut trips without good reason lest they and their operators face sanctions under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01.

“Cutting of trips can inconvenience the riding public and they pay for their fare for the specific route,” said Ariel Inton Jr., Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) member.

Inton told Cebu Daily News that if the driver’s vehicle is damaged, then he can cut trips but he should return the fare to the passengers.

He said drivers can also cut trips during floods and other emergencies but not during rush hour.

Passengers can also help the LTFRB by reporting violators to their office. Operators will be fined P5,000 for the violations committed by their drivers.

“Kung paulit-ulit itong ginagawa ang pag-cut ng trips, eh pwedeng makansela ang prangkisa nito (If they repeatedly commit violations, then their franchise will be canceled),” Inton said. LTFRB-7 regional director Reynaldo Elnar said he will tap the traffic enforcers and aid in each local government unit (LGU) to monitordrivers.

The agency has 10 inspectors on field.

“Please don’t cut trips. There are passengers who are waiting along the route and follow (route) which has been applied by your operators,” Elnar said.

He also reminds drivers to give exact change in light of the P6.50 fare rate they recently approved.

The P6.50 fare covers the first five kilometers while a 20 percent discount is given to senior citizens and students.