Commuters group seeks rollback of jeepney, bus fares

A commuters’ group is asking the LTFRB to recall the P2 hike in minimum fare in jeepneys and the hike in bus charges. A rollback would return the jeepney minimum fare to P8. INQUIRER.NET

A commuters group has filed another petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) urging the board to reverse its decision raising the fares for public transportation vehicles.

In a petition filed by the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC), the group cited the series of rollbacks in the prices of fuel as a reason for the revision of the fare hikes.

“Limang linggo na magkakasunod na bumaba ang halaga ng petrolyo,” the UFCC argued.

With the rollbacks, the price of gasoline has already gone down by P7.70 to P7.80 per liter, P5.15 per liter for diesel, and P4.25 per liter for kerosene.

UFCC’s petition came a day after LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada issued a memorandum calling for a “special board meeting” to discuss the recent fare hike amid the decreasing prices of petroleum products.

READ: Lizada asks for special LTFRB meeting amid fuel price cutbacks

The group also noted the call of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the LTFRB to review its decision on the fare hikes.

“Mismo ang kalihim ng DOTr noong Oktubre 31, 2018, ay nagpahayag na hindi ituloy ang pagtaas ng pasahe,” the UFCC said.

READ: DOTr to ask LTFRB to review jeepney fare hike

The group also cited a projection that the prices of petroleum products would continue to go down in 2019.

The government’s Pantawid Pasada program is also already helping ease the impact of fuel prices on jeepney drivers, the group added.

In a statement Tuesday, the LTFRB acknowledged the letter of the UFCC and said that a hearing would be held to discuss the matter.

“The merits of the case will be addressed especially the basis for the petition and consultations,” the board said.

In October, the LTFRB permanently approved a P2 fare increase for public utility jeepneys, making the minimum fare P10 for the first four kilometers in National Capital Region, and Regions 3 and 4.

READ: LTFRB approves P2 jeepney minimum fare increase

Consequently, the board also approved a provisional P1 increase for buses’ minimum fare in Metro Manila.

This raises the fare on ordinary buses to P11 while airconditioned buses to P13.

READ: LTFRB approves hike in bus fares

The decision of the board to implement a P2 fare and P1 increase in jeepney and bus minimum fares, respectively, was also appealed by the UFCC.

The group filed a motion for reconsideration days after the decision was released to the public, citing that the hike is “unfortunate for millions of people.”

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

However, the LTFRB denied the request, leading to the full implementation of the fare hike on Nov. 2. /cbb

READ: LTFRB denies appeal to halt fare hikes for jeepneys, buses in Metro Manila