LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved on Thursday a P2-peso fare increase in public utility jeepneys, starting Nov. 3.

The decision came after the LTFRB made permanent the provisional fare hike of P1 back in July and granted another P1 increase, which raises the minimum fare to P10 from the previous P8.

The provisional fare increase for jeepneys in Metro Manila and adjoining regions temporarily made the minimum jeepney fare to P9.

READ: P9 jeepney minimum fare starts July 6

Meanwhile, the LTFRB denied the request of transport groups for a P1 increase for every succeeding kilometer after the first four kilometers due to a “lack of factual and reasonable basis.”

The decision was signed by LTFRB chair Martin Delgra and board member Ronaldo Corpus.

Board member Aileen Lizada dissented.

Lizada cited a letter from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to the LTFRB dated Oct. 2 that stated the fare hikes would “reduce the purchasing power” of workers who rely on public transportation.

The NEDA letter also said the fare hike would “increase the cost of living if the general public directly through increased transportation expenditure.”

Lizada earlier requested that the release of the decision be put on hold while the LTFRB waited for the Philippine National Oil Company to import 50,000 metric tons or 59 million liters of diesel from Singapore which will lower the price of diesel per liter.

Her request, however, was denied.

“I did my best to hold the release of the decision,” Lizada told reporters in a text message. /cbb