By CESAR JOLITO III

Commuters must refuse to board taxis that fail to use meters, as it violates transport regulations and puts the riding public at a disadvantage.

This, as the Bacolod City government received a series of complaints about alleged overcharging involving passengers from major transport terminals.

City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo issued the advisory after several netizens reported being charged excessive fares despite short travel distances.

One complainant said they were charged P450 for a trip from the North Terminal to Barangay Alijis, approximately six to eight kilometers in distance, while another claimed paying P500 from the South Terminal to Barangay Pahanocoy.

Mayo encouraged victims of similar incidents to report the matter to the City Administrator’s Office or the City Legal Office for proper guidance in filing formal complaints.

The city government, he added, is coordinating with concerned agencies to address the issue and put a stop to the alleged modus.

Mayo also underscored the need for cooperation, noting that while the country continues to face economic challenges, both drivers and commuters must act responsibly.

He assured the public that the city is also doing its part to extend support to the transport sector while ensuring fair practices are upheld./CJ, WDJ