• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved an increase in the bus fare, depending on classification, effective March 14, amid the soaring prices of petroleum products.
Per the updated fare guide for provincial public utility buses (PUBs), a provisional fare increase of P1 on the base fare and P0.30 on succeeding kilometer has been approved for ordinary buses; P0.35 per kilometer for air-conditioned, deluxe, and super deluxe buses; and P0.45 per kilometer for luxury provincial buses.
This means that the fare in an ordinary bus for the first five kilometers is P12 for regular passengers, and P9.50 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. An additional P2.20 per kilometer is charged for regular passengers, and P1.76 for those granted a 20 percent discount, for succeeding kilometers, the LTFRB said.
In an air-conditioned bus, the fare is P12.25 for regular passengers and P9.75 for students, elderly, and PWDs in the first five kilometers, and an additional P2.45 and P1.96, respectively, for succeeding kilometers.
A regular passenger in a deluxe bus will be charged P13, and P10.50 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs in the first five kilometers, and an additional P2.60 and P2, respectively, each subsequent kilometer.
The approved adjustments reflected and incorporated in the newly-issued fare guide aims to ensure a uniform implementation across all provincial bus operators and routes, the LTFRB stressed in a statement.
“All provincial bus operators must strictly follow the updated fare guide and ensure that the approved fares are properly posted inside their units for the guidance of the riding public,” it added. “Passengers are encouraged to verify the correct fares based on the official guide and report any violations or overcharging incidents.”
The Bureau said it remains committed to ensuring that public transport fares remain fair, transparent, and responsive to prevailing economic conditions while protecting the welfare of commuters and transport operators alike. | CGC
