The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Caraga Region (LTFRB-13) warned drivers of public utility vehicles not to refuse to convey passengers to their destinations especially during the Yuletide season.

The warning is line with the continued implementation of Oplan Isnabero and Oplan Biyaheng Ayos of LTFRB, said LTFRB-13 OIC-regional director Maria Kristina E. Cassion in a statement.

Cassion said public utility drivers are duty-bound to ferry passengers to their respective destinations as public transport providers.

“The refusal to perform this duty constitutes a breach of their franchise conditions,” Cassion added.

Cassion said that the full implementation of Oplan Isnabero nationwide was ordered by LTFRB chair Martin B. Delgra III after receiving complaints from passengers that public utility vehicle drivers, especially taxis, are refusing to ferry commuters, especially to traffic-prone areas.

LTFRB-13 quoted Delgra as saying: “Let us push drivers and operators to be the Santa Claus of the millions of commuters this Christmas Season and not be the scrooge in the lives of passengers.”

Cassion said she hopes “there will be no occurrence of refusal to convey passengers here in Caraga, especially for taxi services, as it is relatively new in Caraga and might cause passengers to be turned off from availing of the services.”

She also reminded drivers and operators against the overcharging of fares, noting that they should only charge fare based on the fare matrix displayed inside their vehicles or, in the case of taxis, the fare printouts.

“These violations are considered a breach of franchise conditions and have the corresponding penalty of a fine amounting to PHP5,000 each for the first offense, PHP10,000 each and 1-month impoundment of the unit involved for the second offense, and PHP15,000 each and suspension or revocation of franchise for the third and subsequent offenses,” she said.

Cassion said LTFRB-13 wants to cultivate a culture where drivers are all courteous, law-abiding, and service-oriented in the region.

She also encouraged commuters to give LTFRB-13 feedbacks on their travel experiences through their hotline 09431332966. (PNA)