Without updated fare matrix, jeepney fare hike on hold — DOTr official

(Updated, Nov. 1, 5:30 p.m.) Without an updated fare matrix, jeepney drivers cannot charge higher fares on Friday,  despite the start of the effectivity of the P2 increase approved by the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a transport official said on Thursday.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said that jeepney drivers can only charge the updated and higher fares from commuters if the  LTFRB already issues a fare matrix to operators.

“Even if the effectivity of the fare hike is tomorrow, Nov. 2, there is an existing rule that without an updated fare matrix, one cannot charge higher fare,” De Leon said in a statement.

The transport official said the LTFRB could only issue the fare matrix when the LTFRB office resumes on Monday.

“Office will resume on Monday. It is only by then that the LTFRB can issue the fare matrix. Once it has been issued to the operators, that’s the time when their drivers can charge higher fare,” De Leon said.

The LTFRB echoed De Leon’s statement that drivers cannot charge the latest amount in the updated fare in the absence of a fare matrix.

Jeepney drivers who will be caught violating this rule will be apprehended for overcharging, the LTFRB said.

The LTFRB clarified that they have already prepared the matrix early last week in anticipation for this year’s “Undas.”

However, jeepney operators from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region IV are yet to make a proper request for a fare matrix.

The LTFRB said that jeepney operators in Region III has already made a proper request for a fare matrix.

The LTFRB approved the P2 fare increase in public utility jeepneys on Oct. 18, raising the minimum fare from P8 to P10. /ee /jpv

READ: LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase