The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is warning all Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators in the National Capital District not to charge passengers above the current ICCC approved PMV fares.
A number of complaints received and recorded at the ICCC office relate to PMVs charging above the ICCC approved fare of K0.90 for all routes in NCD. The reason for the overcharging is a result of the current road construction in various parts of the city causing traffic congestion.
ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Paulus Ain, said PMV operators are reminded to refrain or immediately cease this conduct/practice or will be prosecuted under the Prices Regulations Act (PR Act) and the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission Act 2002 (ICCC Act).
“The ICCC will continue to monitor through its complaints help desk those PMVs that are overcharging commuters during short trips on a route, particularly for routes 9 and 11 travelling from Four-Mile to Waigani and Gerehu.”
Commissioner Ain said the ICCC has prosecuted offending PMVs in the past and will not hesitate to do so if this trend continues in the coming weeks.
“The ICCC is also calling on the NCD National PMV Association to inform the PMV owners and operators to be considerate and respect the law. Charging of PMV fares above the approved maximum fare is an offence under the PR Act.”
The penalties under the PR Act range from:
- A fine not exceeding K600 or imprisonment of up to 6 months, if prosecuted at the District Court; and
- A fine not exceeding K3,000 or imprisonment of up to 2 years; if referred to a higher court.
PMV owners are urged to immediately cease charging above the ICCC approved rates.
Commissioner Ain also encouraged passengers to assist the ICCC by providing the following details to the ICCC office:
- Plate number of the bus;
- The particular route the offence occurred;
- The time of the day and the date the offence occurred;
- The name of the owner of the bus (written on the driver’s door);
- Any distinguishing descriptions of the bus; and
- Complainant’s name and contact details.
The above details can be provided by contacting the ICCC by telephone on 325 4615 or 325 2144 , or by walking in at the ICCC Head office located on the 1st Floor, Garden City Building, Boroko.
Alternatively you can visit their website: www.iccc.gov.pg or ICCC Facebook page and twitter iccc.com.