Biliran gov seeks reason why LTFRB hiked fares for PUVs in Eastern Visayas

TACLOBAN CITY –– Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina is asking why the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suddenly imposed a new rate for public utility vans (PUVs) in Eastern Visayas.

“It has come to the attention of this office that our constituents in the province, especially the commuting public, are having complaints on the abrupt and sudden fare rate increase of V-Hire to and from the province of Biliran. Relative herewith, we would like to respectfully inquire and request from your good office for justification of the fare hike,” Espina said in his Jan. 16 letter to LTFRB Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto.

Espina is the first public official in the region to call the attention of LTFRB on the new fare rate of P2 per kilometer.

Before the adjustment fare rate for PUVs, the fare rate for the Naval-Tacloban City route was just P130.

But with the new rate, the fare is now P250 or almost double the previous rate.

Gualberto said the new fare rate should have been enforced back in 2007 or 13 years ago.

But with the increases in the prices of gasoline and spare parts in the past years, transport groups have sought for the “restoration” of the P2/km rate from the previous P1.40/km rate.

“We should also understand the (situation) of our transport group. This P2/km rate was supposed to take effect back in 2007 but it was only in 2019 that they have petitioned to restore it. We approved it considering the increases in the prices of gasoline and spare parts,” Gualberto said.

In return, Gualberto said they have mandated the operators to improve their services for the “convenience and safety” of the riding public./lzb