Stick to approved fares, PMV operators warned

 PMV operators in the National Capital District (NDC) have been warned not to charge more than the approved fares.

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission said last week that while there would be a shortage of public transport in view of the Pacific Games, transport operators must not take advantage of the situation to raise fares.

The approved fares are 90 toea for adults.

For students, there are two fares – 40 toea for those up to Grade 8 and 60 toea for others.

The rates are regardless of the time of the trip or the distance.

The commission said that of the 14 cases investigated since last year, eight operators were found to have overcharged and were fined up to K330 each.

It is working with the police and the Transport Department to eliminate the practice.

It said that it would consider increasing the penalties under the Prices Regulation Act to help deter offenders.

Another option is to terminate the operator’s licence.

Commuters are encouraged to report any operator who overcharged and when they do, to provide the route number, the vehicle’s registration number and any other details which could help in the investigation.

The commission said the Port Moresby PMV Bus Association was aware of the issues and hoped that it would take a proactive role in educating and encouraging its members to adhere to the laws. It noted, however, that not all PMV operators were members of the association.

Meanwhile, NCD central police chief Jerry Frank advised PMV operators to be honest, to respect the laws and not overcharge their passengers.

He said any offending operator would be taken off the road.