LTFRB raises standard jeepney fare to P8.50
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines-The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted the fare increase sought by public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators, raising the standard jeepney fare to P8.50 from P8.
“As part of the Board’s authority to regulate transport fare, we considered not only the welfare of the PUJ drivers but of the general public, especially the low and middle income classes who will be affected the most. Ang fare increase na ito ay pinag-aralan naming mabuti at sa pakikipagpulong sa iba’t ibang stakeholders upang matukoy ang makatwirang pagtaas ng pamasahe (We studied and consulted with different stakeholders so we can come up with a just fare hike.) ,”LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.
Aside from the extra P.50 for the first four kilometers, an additional P.10 will apply for every succeeding kilometer.
Ginez said that fare increase would only apply in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabrzon and Mimaropa regions.
The fare increase will take effect on June 14.
Ginez said this was approved by the board considering not only the benefits of the PUJ operators but also the needs of the general public.
“In making this decision, wejudiciously balanced the rights of thecommuting public who are mostly dependent on public land transportation system vis-a vis the rights of the PUJ operators and drivers. Balansehin po natin ang interes ng lahat. Tulad ng commuters, may pangangailangan din ang ating mga jeepney drivers (Let us consider everyone’s interest. Just like the commuters, the jeepney drivers also have their needs.),”he said.
He said jeepney drivers would not be allowed to implement the new fare hike until they have secured a fare matrix copy from the LTFRB.
He added that PUJ operators and drivers must display the new fare matrix in the interior part of their PUJ.
He reiterated that the 20-percent discount, or P1.50 less of the standard fare, for senior citizens, students, and people with disability should be strictly implemented.
RELATED STORIES
LTFRB denies provisional jeepney fare hike
Jeepney operators’ group pleads for P0.50 fare hike
