Mandaue City has officially launched a standardized fare matrix for tricycles and habal-habal units, marking a significant step to regulate transport pricing and safeguard commuters from unauthorized fare increases. This initiative follows a collaborative agreement among barangay leaders, establishing a minimum fare of P25 for habal-habal rides and mandating the display of tariff rates at terminals to ensure transparency.
Addressing Fare Hikes and Protecting Passengers
The move was prompted by growing concerns over drivers arbitrarily raising fares, which led local officials to intervene and create a uniform pricing structure. Association of Barangay Councils president and ex-officio Councilor Dante Borbajo highlighted that barangay leaders reached a consensus on a common fare framework during a recent meeting. He emphasized the importance of reasonable adjustments, noting that while fare increases are driven by rising operational costs, they should not exceed P2 to P5 based on distance, with the lowest fare set at P20 for short trips.
Enforcement and Monitoring Efforts
To enforce the new standards, tarpaulins displaying fare rates are being installed at stations to guide passengers and prevent overcharging. Borbajo appealed to drivers to adhere to the agreed pricing, warning that excessive hikes, such as P10 per person, harm both commuters and the transport sector's credibility. Councilor Carlo Fortuna reinforced this by stressing that any fare adjustments must undergo proper review by the traffic and tricycle board, which will evaluate whether increases of P1 or P2 are justified under current conditions.
Fortuna also called on barangay officials and traffic authorities to intensify monitoring of fare practices, particularly among habal-habal drivers, to ensure compliance. Officials are encouraging other barangays to adopt similar measures, cautioning that the absence of uniform rates could lead to confusion and potential abuse. By implementing clear fare matrices, the city aims to foster a win-win situation, enabling drivers to manage rising expenses while protecting commuters from arbitrary charges and promoting fair transport services.
