LTFRB approves temporary P1 hike in jeepney fare

Metro Manila, June 9 ------ Jeepney drivers plying the roads of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa can start collecting a P10 minimum fare, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

In a decision released on June 8, the LTFRB said its board approved a P1 provisional fare hike for the first four kilometers. No increase will be imposed in the succeeding kilometers. All public utility jeepneys, either modernized or traditional units, operating within the said regions must display the "notice of provisional fare increase" inside their vehicles, the agency said. The provisional fare increase is exclusive to the four regions.

The LTFRB earlier denied the request but were prompted to respond to another round of oil price hikes implemented on June 7, which was as high as P6.55 per liter for diesel, LTFRB Executive Director Maria Kristina Cassion said in a Viber message. 1-UTAK Party-list chairman Vigor Mendoza said their group actually appealed for a P2 provisional fare increase, but the LTFRB only granted half of their request. “Nagpapasalamat na rin tayo kaysa wala. At least, there is something to work with. This is a step to the right direction - a recognition na talagang kailangan na kailangan ng ating transport sector ang tulong, ang ayuda, ang dagdag-kita para naman magawa nila 'yung trabaho nila, to continuously serve the Filipino commuter,” Mendoza told reporters. Mendoza added the P1 provisional fare hike will bring about an additional daily income of P300 for jeepney drivers, but then reminded that such income increase is still not enough to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices.

Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) said that some of its members were planning to stop their operations given the situation. Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, meanwhile, urged jeepney drivers to continue their operations, assuring that the government is doing its part to lessen the impact of high fuel prices.

Source: cnnphilippines.com