P10 is new PUJ minimum fare in NCR, Central Luzon, Calabarzon starting June 9

P10 is new minimum fare in PUJs starting June 9 after P1 provisional hike okayed

FILE PHOTO: In a city like San Pablo in Laguna province, residents still rely on public utility jeepneys for their daily commute. —KIMMY BARAOIDAN

MANILA, Philippines — Starting June 9, minimum fare in public utility jeepneys (PUJ) would be P10 as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved Wednesday the P1 provisional hike.

The fare increase will cover PUJs operating in Metro Manila, Region 3 (Central Luzon), and Region 4 (Calabarzon), as stated in an order signed by LTFRB chair Martin Delgra III on June 8.

“Upon careful consideration, finding the Omnibus Motion for Consideration and to Suspend Proceedings to be meritorious and pursuant to Section 5 (c) of Executive Order No. 202 in relation to Section 16 (c) of the Commonwealth Act 146 otherwise known as ‘The Public Service Act’ as amended, the Board hereby resolved to consider, lift and set aside the Order dated 21 March 2022 and GRANTS the prayer for ONE PESOS (P1.00) PROVISIONAL FARE INCREASE,” the order states.

According to the LTFRB, while it recognizes the “plight” of the public every time an increase in commodity prices such as public transport occurs, “it cannot be insensitive to the clamor and plight of the PUV operators and drivers who are responsible [for] ensuring a steady supply of public transport services.”

It noted that it is the PUJs that carry the most number of commuters on a daily basis.

“It is the mandate and duty of the LTFRB to judiciously balance the economic viability of the industry versus the welfare of the riding public,” said the LTFRB.

Specifically, the LTFRB order on a provisional fare increase states:

The provisional fare increase comes after various transport organizations lodged their petitions amid the many rounds of oil price hikes triggered, among others, by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The LTFRB said it will continue to hear, deliberate, and resolve other issues contained in the petitions.

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