FARE HIKE. LTFRB Chairman Thompson Lantion explains the nationwide provisional fare hike for jeepney and buses to transport groups. The fare hike will take effect on Wednesday, May 21. INQUIRER.NET/Abigail C. Kwok
(UPDATE) LTFRB grants provisional bus, jeepney fare hike By Abigail Kwok INQUIRER.net First Posted 11:55:00 05/18/2008
MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted a nationwide provisional fare increase for all buses and jeepneys.
On Sunday, Chairman Thompson Lantion said that effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, there will be a nationwide fare increase for jeepneys and buses.
In a joint resolution signed on Saturday, the LTFRB said that the rate for Metro Manila and Regions III and IV jeepneys will increase from P7.50 to P8 for the first four kilometers. Jeepney operators from other regions will also have an additional P0.50 to their fares.
Meanwhile, the fare for Metro Manila regular buses will increase from P8 to P9 for the first five kilometers, while Metro Manila air-conditioned buses will increase from P10 to P11.50 for the first five kilometers.
There will be no increase on the rates for every succeeding kilometer for both Metro Manila jeeps and buses, Lantion said.
Provincial regular buses will increase their fare from P8.50 to P9 for the first five kilometers and P1.40 for every succeeding kilometer.
LTFRB also granted a separate petition filed by bus operators in Sapang Palay, Bulacan. LTFRB has provided a 20-percent discount for all bus passengers en route from Sapang Palay to Baclaran.
Senior citizens, students, and disabled passengers were also granted a 20-percent discount on their fares, Lantion added.
All buses and jeepney operators are required to post the notice for provisional fare increase on their vehicles on Wednesday, he said.
But Lantion clarified that the provisional increase could be withdrawn anytime. “The important thing is that government is responding with recognizance of the problem and we need a mitigating program to alleviate the problem of continuous oil price increase,” he said.
He added that the agency also considered the riding public. “We also have to protect the public interest,” Lantion said.
Meanwhile, he said that the agency was expecting to provide the additional P2 per liter government subsidy on fuel to all transport groups as soon as possible.
Different transport groups have expressed their appreciation for Lantion on the fare increase.
“We are grateful for Chairman Lantion for granting us the provisional fare increase. It will be a great help for us,” said Obet Martin, National President of Pasang Masda. He also said that the provisional fare would increase their income to P200.
Meanwhile, Homer Mercado, President of Provincial Bus Operators, Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) that they would still call for a permanent fare increase with the LTFRB.
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