• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved a P1 provisional fare increase, both for traditional and modernized public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide, starting on Oct. 8.
LTFRB chairperson, Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III, said in a statement Oct. 3, that the Board decided to increase the minimum fare of traditional jeeps to P13, and P15 for air-conditioned PUJs, effective this Sunday, Oct. 8.
“Piso na provisional fare increase lamang po ang inaprubahan natin sa first four kilometers pero wala pong kahit anong dagdag sa succeeding kilometers. Applicable po ito sa modern at traditional public utility jeepney sa buong bansa simula sa Oct. 8,” Guadiz stressed.
The LTFRB announced the interim increase while it is deciding on fare hike petitions filed by several transport groups, including the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide Inc. (Pasang Masda), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (Acto).
The groups are asking for a P5 fare hike for the first four kilometers, and an additional P1 every succeeding kilometer, following more than two months of nonstop oil price increases.
The Department of Energy said that it logged a net increase of P13.40 per liter for diesel, P17.30/L for gasoline, and P9.44/L for kerosene since the start of this year until Sept. 26.
Guadiz, meanwhile, reminded jeepney drivers and operators that fare discounts should strictly be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students. | CGC
