LTFRB: Appeal from commuter group could delay jeepney, bus fare hikes

The approved increases in jeepney and bus fares, which are expected to take effect on November 3, could be delayed following the appeal filed by a commuters’ group to suspend its implementation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday.

“There’s a possibility,” LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra said during in a press briefing in Malacañang.

Arlis Acao and the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters through its representative, Rodolfo Javellana, has filed before the LTFRB a motion for reconsideration regarding the fare hikes.

“We will agenda the motion for reconsideration this week. We are going to have a board meeting tomorrow so we will be able to discuss certainly and hopefully resolve it within the period,” Delgra said.

The LTFRB chair was referring to the 15-day period wherein the agency would decide on the motion for reconsideration filed by the oppositors on the fare increases.

“So that motion for reconsideration is now set for agenda this week by the board and we will come out with a decision hopefully within the 15-day period during which the decision would become final,” he said.

The LTFRB approved Thursday the increase in basic jeepney fare from P9 to P10 in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, and minimum bus fare from P10 to P11 in Metro Manila.  /muf

READ: LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase