Hotline vs erring drivers in Boracay, Malay

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The municipal government of Malay, Aklan has launched a hotline number round the clock to encourage commuters especially in Boracay Island to report erring public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

The hotline number will respond to complaints and grievances such as overcharging, rude behavior of drivers and operators, reckless drivers, failure to grant senior citizen discount and refusal to convey passengers.

The text hotline 09999467551 will also handle inquiries and concerns on tricycle and e-trikes operations.

“Rest assured that we are taking every call and text message seriously. This is to act on the pressing problems and concerns in the island of Boracay,” the LGU-Malay Transportation Assistance advisory said.

A tricycle driver who unjustly refuse to ferry passenger, unduly prefer the carriage of a passenger over another who was ahead in hailing by reason of superiority in number, sex, age are unlawful acts under Section 13 of Municipal Ordinance No. 342-2015 or the Municipal Traffic Code.

Other prohibited acts are charging excessive fare beyond the lawful rates and committing misconduct or act of discourtesy against a passenger by either snubbing, use of rude and abusive language.

Violators are fined P500 for discrimination, excessive charging of fare, refusal to convey passenger and misconduct/arrogance.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Transportation Office and the Municipal Tourism Office will conduct refresher course to more than 500 e-trike operators and drivers on effective customer service and work values and the municipal ordinance on accreditation and transportation law.

The re-orientation on November 28-29 will be held at Manoc-Manoc covered court in Boracay Island. 

Tricycles and e-trikes serve as the main means of transportation in Boracay Island and mainland Malay aside from motorcycles, multi-cabs and vans.