LTFRB to discuss appeal of commuters on fare hikes

Updated (8:36 p.m.)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to deliberate on the appeal of a commuters group to suspend the jeepney and bus fare hikes.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III on Tuesday told INQUIRER.net that the board would discuss the motion for reconsideration filed by United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC)

“The Board will deliberate this week,” Delgra said in a text message.

Delgra also said that if the appeal of the commuters group is denied, another round of the 15-day period set by the LTFRB is not possible.

“There’s only one 15-day period to reckon,” he said.

The board set a 15-day period for the public to make an appeal after the agency formalized its decision to approve the P2 fare hike for jeepneys and P1  for buses.

The decision on the jeepney fare hike was released on October 18,  approved by Delgra and LTFRB board member Ronaldo Corpus. Board member Aileen Lizada dissented.

READ: LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase

The P1 fare increase for buses was approved by the three officials of the LTFRB.

READ: LTFRB approves P1 fare hike on bus 

The said fare hikes, however, was blocked by UFCC as they filed their motion for reconsideration six days after the release of the fare hike decisions.

However, Delgra said that if the board decides to junk the appeal of UFCC, the implementation of the fare hikes would continue by November.

“If [motion for reconsideration] denied, decision stands,” he said. /ee

READ: Commuters to LTFRB: Halt jeepney, bus fare hikes