The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday approved a P1 provisional fare hike for modern and traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide starting October 8 this year.
According to LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III,, the board agreed to increase the minimum fare for traditional PUJs by P1 to P13 from the current P12 starting 8 October 8 this year. Modern PUJ fare will increase to P15 from P14.
“We only approved a peso provisional fare increase for the first four kilometers, but there is no additional increase for the succeeding kilometers. This is applicable to modern and traditional public utility jeepneys throughout the country starting October 08,” Guadiz said.
He acknowledged the fare increase on the set date is necessary even as the agency hears the petition of the various transport groups.
The LTFRB also reminded operators and drivers to provide discounts for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), students, and others.
Transport groups using the modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJ) and traditional public utility jeepneys (TPUJ) filed by the general counsel of the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc. (PASANG MASDA), the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO) earlier sought a P5 fare increase for the first four kilometers and P1 for the next kilometers.
The groups cited the series of oil price hikes most weeks on end as basis for the collective request for fare adjustments.
