DOTr launches hotline for commuter-related concerns

For many Filipino drivers, commuting via our public transport is inevitable. For example, if your vehicle is “coding” and you don’t have a spare vehicle like Manny Pacquiao, you have no choice but to board a jeepney and then the LRT to go to work.

Another example would be when your car is in the dealer or your local talyer for repairs and you have to use public transport until the parts arrive and get installed. It is during these instances that you may encounter a rude taxi/Grab driver or an illegal terminal that impedes traffic flow. Now, you can report these directly to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Commuters can now contact the new hotline for commuter-related concerns and other transport issues through contact number 0920-964-DOTR (3687). This number will serve as DOTr’s central hotline for commuter concerns, grievances, and complaints. The hotline will be open from Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Additionally, the new hotline will also serve as a channel that would receive complaints and reports of red tape from concerned citizens within its offices and attached agencies, says DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.

“We urge our fellow Filipinos to report your concerns via the Commuter Hotline that require the full attention of the DOTr and its attached agencies,” said Sec. Bautista

Complaint acted upon within 24 hours

One of the first complaints received by the agency’s new hotline was about jeeps cutting their trips in the Pasay-Alabang via the service road route. According to DOTr, the complaint was received via text message in the commuter hotline and was acted upon within 24 hours by their operatives, including agents from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The complainant says that jeeps were cutting trips to avoid traffic and were unloading passengers in SM Bicutan instead of completing the trip all the way to Alabang, Muntinlupa. This forces commuters to board another jeepney and double their fare.

Tickets were given to drivers who were cutting trips and were fined PHP 5,000 for violation of Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01.