Report PMVs charging extra

 By TONY PALME KIP

THE Transport Department and the Independent Consumer Competition Commission are advising commuters to report any bus operator overcharging fares.

Roy Mumu, the Secretary of Transport and Superintendent of Motor Traffic, said bus drivers and crews had been reminded that the bus fare in Port Moresby determined by the Independent Consumer Competition Commission was fixed at 90 toea.

“Get plates and registration numbers of PMV (public motor vehicle) buses overcharging bus fares and report to us so that we prosecute them,” Mumu said.

He urged commuters to call first assistant secretary Nelson Lari on 70306327, assistant secretary (RTIB) Maleva Hitolo on 70319392, Herman Wakia on 76400947 or the commission head office on 325 2144.

City resident Jaykay Kop said buses were using the excuse of the Pacific Games to charge passengers extra.

“We pay K1 to get to Manu,” Kop said. 

“And from Manu to Central Waigani and Gordon, we pay K2.

“That’s ridiculous and very frustrating,” he said.

He urged bus owners to do business in an appropriate manner and not to steal from passengers. 

A Gerehu resident who did not want to be named said he paid K2 from the university  bus stop to get to work at Islander in Waigani.

Students up to Grade 10 pay 40 toea and students from Grade 11 to tertiary institutions pay 60 toea after producing their student ID cards.

“This is the capital city and PMV operators must adhere to regulations,” the person said.

“PMV owners, should do business in a professional manner by providing safe, affordable and efficient public transport system.

“This is not a country road where we overcharge and overload.”

Buses have been overcharging fares since the Games started.