LTFRB approves P10 minimum jeepney fare in NCR, Region 3, 4

Amid the surging fuel prices, the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved the Php 1 provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys (PUJ) in Metro Manila, Region 3, and Region 4.

Could the new base fare help negate the impact of rising fuel prices for PUJ drivers?

With the approval signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, the base fare has now been increased to Php 10. That covers the first four kilometers of the trip, with no fare changes for the succeeding kilometers. Among the transport groups that have been pleading for the fare increase include 1-UTAK, PASANG MASDA, ALTODAP, LTOP, and ACTO.

The LTFRB requires all concerned PUJ operators/drivers to display the “NOTICE OF PROVINCIAL FARE INCREASE” inside their vehicles. Meanwhile, the discounts still stand for persons with disability, senior citizens, and other qualified commuters, given that they present valid identification cards.

Needless to say, the soaring fuel prices are the reason why the transport groups pleaded for a higher base PUJ fare. The recent price increase per liter in diesel products affected the daily earnings of drivers. But with the fare hike, 1-UTAK Chairman and President Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said that drivers can take home an additional income of around Php 300 to Php 400 per day.

Other areas still follow a P9 minimum PUJ fare

Mendoza said that the government agency should consider granting their request for a Php 2 provisional fare increase. And when the fuel prices in the global market continue to go up, he is also requesting the base fare to reach Php 15, which is a Php 5 increase over the recently-approved minimum fare for jeepneys.

The said request could come to light once the fuel prices in the country reach Php 100 per liter, a scenario that various motorists are concerned about. But according to the Department of Energy (DOE), a Php 100 per liter fuel price is unlikely to happen, that is at least for this year.

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