P1.50 hike in jeepney fares sought by transport groups; LTFRB sets hearing

Transport groups are seeking an increase in jeepney fares in Metro Manila, citing the recent hike in fuel prices and expressway toll.

Jeepney operators want the fare increased to a minimum of P9.50 from the current P8. They also asked that the fee for every additional kilometer after the first four be set from P1.40 to P1.50.

The joint petition was filed by the Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators, Pasang Masda and the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines.

The petition was filed the same day oil firms raised prices of diesel fuel, which is used by jeepneys, by P2 per liter. Oil firms also increased premium and unleaded gasoline prices by 65 centavos per liter, regular gasoline by 90 centavos per liter, and diesel by P1.90 per liter, effective 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it would hold a public hearing regarding the fare hike petition next week.

“We will invite citizen groups as well as representatives from the Office of the Solicitor General,” LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said.

The official said jeepney operators have to show sufficient proof that they have been suffering losses because of increases in various expenses. “They should present financial statements and other documents that show they are in the red,” Iway said.

He said the LTFRB would come out with a decision soon after the hearings are completed. The last increase in jeepney fares took place in January.  However, fuel prices have increased substantially since then.

Toll rates at privately run highways have also increased due to the imposition of the 12-percent value added tax on tollroad revenues by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Earlier this month, the Toll Regulatory Board said operators of Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road had applied for an increase in fees.

If approved, the adjustments will take effect in January.

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