Starting Sunday, Oct. 8, the minimum fare for all passenger jeepneys across the country will increase by P1 following the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) amid the series of oil price hikes in the past weeks. 

LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III said the approval of the provisional P1 increase was in response to the petition filed by three transport groups— Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc. (Pasang Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), aand the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO).

“We only approved a provisional fare increase in the first four kilometers. There is no additional increase in the succeeding kilometers,” said Guadiz during the hearing for the fare increase on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

He said the provisional P1 increase covers traditional and modern jeepneys across the country.

The approved provisional increase will make the minimum fare for traditional jeepney P13 while P15 for modern jeepneys.

Guadiz explained that the P1 provisional increase will be in effect while the LTFRB Board is yet to decide on the fare increase being sought by transport groups—some groups are seeking P4 increase in minimum fare while others seek P5.

Transport groups are also seeking P1 for every succeeding kilometers.

While saying that he understands the arguments raised by transport groups amid the series of oil price hikes, Guadiz explained that they have to study the petition carefully to come up with a middle ground between the need to address the concerns of the transport groups and its impact to the commuters and the general public.

Guadiz said any fare increase will have an impact on the inflation rate in the country, both in the prices of goods and services.

This is the reason, according to Guadiz, why the LTFRB has to consult the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in every decision that it has to make.

Guadiz also reminded the drivers and operators to continue implementing the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, students and persons with disability (PWDs).

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by AARON RECUENCO

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