Modern jeepney operators can’t raise fare without LTFRB approval, says exec

MANILA, Philippines — Operators of modern jeepneys cannot just raise or lower fares without approval by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Any fare adjustments — whether an increase or reduction — will have to pass through LTFRB. They cannot just decide it for themselves. We at the  LTFRB will set the minimum fare and the percentage of increase per succeeding kilometer,” Zona Russet Tamayo, director of the National Capital Region office of the LTRFB, said in a Palace briefing, speaking partly in Filipino, on Monday.

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Modern jeepneys that have been operating since 2017 have only increase their fare by P2 so far, according to  Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) Chair Jesus Ortega.

“Those who have been using modern vehicles have not asked for an extra increase,” Ortega said.