• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The approved increases in the fare of public utility vehicles, including jeepneys, will take effect tomorrow, March 19, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said March 17.
For traditional jeepneys, the fare for the first four kilometers will be P14 and an additional P2 for each subsequent kilometer. For airconditioned PUJs, a regular passenger will be charged P17 for the first four kilometers, and an additional P2.40 for each subsequent kilometer, the LTFRB said.
A 20 percent discount should be given to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
For the transport network vehicle services (TNVS), the LTFRB approved a P20 increase and P15 pick-up fare per kilometer. The increase makes the base fare for TNVS sedan to P65 from P45, P75 from P55 for AUVs, P55 from P35 for hatchback, and P165 from P145 for premium TNVS.
There is no increase in the per kilometer and per minute travel time for TNVS. Fare increases for buses and airport taxis were also approved.
Fare hikes for ordinary taxis and UV Express, meanwhile, are still being deliberated since the petitions have just been filed by transport groups representing them, the LTFRB said.
LTFRB chairman, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, said the computation for the fare hikes was thoroughly deliberated and supported by data and analysis, and the adjustments reflect a 19 percent increase in fares across all regions.
“This is timely because the transport sector is currently facing a serious challenge on the prices of petroleum products as a result of the Middle East tensions,” he said in a statement.
Diesel prices have breached the P100 per liter mark this week following the P20.40 to P23.90/L increase implemented on staggered basis since March 17, while the pump prices of gasoline will be around P91.60/L, and kerosene at P143.79/L. | CGC
