- CTTMO checks vs. overcharging as fare increase petition pending
THE CITY Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has issued a stern warning to tricycle drivers and operators against overcharging passengers, clarifying that no official fare increase has been approved yet.
Dr. Chona Advincula, head of the CTTMO Motorized Vehicle Franchising and Regulatory Division, told TIMES in an interview on Wednesday that they received numerous complaints from commuters regarding overcharging.
“We have received so many complaints about overcharging, which prompted CTTMO chief Dionisio Abude to advise us to post warning notices on our Facebook page and coordinate with various Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Associations (TODAs),” Advincula said.
According to Advincula, the legally mandated minimum fare remains ₱10 for the first four kilometers, but reports show that many drivers are charging passengers ₱15, ₱20, or even up to ₱30 under the guise of pakyaw (exclusive/contract) rates.
She said students are among the most frequent victims of these illegal practices, using the high cost of fuel as an excuse.
“It is unacceptable that some drivers are charging students ₱20. How can a student afford that? The law specifies that the first four kilometers are only ₱10,” Advincula emphasized.
She said that while “pakyaw” arrangement is recognized as the driver’s strategy, they should reach an agreement with the commuter beforehand, as abusive drivers demand these high rates only after the passenger has already boarded and reached halfway through the journey.
While some passengers understand, Advincula said CTTMO must protect those who cannot afford it, especially given the current difficult economic situation.
To note, the CTTMO posted a public advisory dated June 16 urging commuters to document specific details of their trips and take photos of the PUV ID, CTTMO registration number, or MTH body number, and the vehicle’s license plate.
Passengers are advised to record the exact route and the fare amount the driver demanded.
“If caught overcharging or operating without a franchise, our office will strictly enforce the rules. We will impound their vehicles, issue citations, and make them pay fines for their violations,” Advincula warned.
While several tricycle groups have sought a ₱5 fare hike due to rising fuel costs, Advincula clarified that these proposals are still under deliberation by the franchising board.
She said that any adjustments require strict administrative protocols, including a public hearing to evaluate the sentiments of the commuting public.
At present, of the more than 150 tricycle routes across Davao City, only 24 have submitted formal, valid petitions for a fare adjustment, requesting at least a P5 increase in the minimum fare.
To get the petitions approved, the applicant must be a valid franchise holder, as colorum units have zero legal authority to request or implement fare hikes.
Advincula highlighted the problem of “colorum” or unlicensed tricycles operating illegally in the city, estimating that about 90% of the tricycles on the road, while there are roughly 1,400 legitimately franchised motorized tricycles-for-hire.
