Ilocos Norte gov’t to drivers, operators: Don’t’ overcharge

LAOAG CITY: The Ilocos Norte provincial government on Monday released a fare matrix for jeepneys and tricycles, encouraging the public to report violators, as the province hosts this week the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet. Lawyer Athena Nicolette A. Pilar, general manager of the integrated traffic management system Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), in an interview, said they have not received any complaints against overcharging but they issued the matrix to avoid drivers from taking advantage of the expected 9,000 players from the region's14 schools division as well as other visitors who will attend the regional sports event. 'Thankfully, there was no report yet,' she said, noting that violators will be dealt with accordingly. The seven areas included in the matrix are the cities of Laoag and Batac and the municipalities of Bacarra, Pasuquin, San Nicolas, Sarrat, and Vintar. These have different regular minimum fare amounts ranging from PHP15.000 to PHP20.000 for tricycles and PHP13.00 to PHP46.00 f or jeepneys. A 20 percent discount is given to senior citizens and students, except graduate school students. MINC was established in early 2015 by the provincial government to develop an integrated traffic management system for a safer and more efficient transport sector. 'Hindi sila MINC in good standing at tanggal lahat ng benefits nila from MINC (They won't be part of the MINC and in good standing [once they violate] and all their benefits will be forfeited),' she said, referring to the penalty for violators. MINC members are given an insurance card, which allows holders to avail of discounts to several establishments, including point-of-care accident insurance in light of the hazard of their livelihood. They are also entitled to fuel subsidies, including additional allowance for PUV drivers as an incentive, with extra rides and routes offered during the peak tourism seasons or the hosting of sporting events like R1AA. Source: Philippines News Agency