SANTO DOMINGO – Public transportation fares cannot be changed by decision of drivers, unions, or operating companies. The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) reiterated this point, warning that any fare increase implemented without official authorization constitutes a violation of current legislation.
According to the statement released by the Presidency, the clarification comes at a time when transport users have reported increases on some routes, a situation that, according to the institution, does not have the approval of the regulatory body and could lead to administrative sanctions.
Who can authorize a fare increase?
According to Intrant, article 125 of Law 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transport, Transit and Road Safety establishes that the setting and modification of public passenger transport fares is an exclusive competence of the regulatory entity.
In that regard, the institution specified that no driver, union, federation, company or service provider is authorized to unilaterally apply increases, regardless of the circumstances they claim to justify the increase.
Intrant's executive director, Milton Morrison, warned that any tariff adjustment made without the corresponding authorization may be subject to the sanctions provided for in current regulations.
A topic that directly impacts users' wallets
The entity reiterated that protecting the rights of public transport users is one of the institution's priorities and urged citizens not to accept or pay increases that have not been officially reported by the competent authorities.
He also called on citizens to report any irregular charges through the institutional channels enabled for that purpose.
The institution assured that any decision related to possible modifications in public transport fares will be communicated in a timely manner and in accordance with the procedures established in Law 63-17.
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