The minimum fare for public utility jeepneys will increase by P1 starting today, Oct. 8.
This brings the minimum fare for traditional PUJs to P13 and P15 for the modern units.
Atty. Krystel Sanchez, acting chief of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera Legal Section, said the fare hike is a result of the petition filed by various transport groups before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Transport groups Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc.; Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines; and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization sought an increase in the minimum fare nationwide,amidst the soaring fuel prices.
The LTFRB, on Oct. 3, has granted a provisional P1 increase, but this only applies to the first kilometers. No increase would be imposed on passengers travelling to beyond four kilometers.
The provisional increase is lower than what the transport groups are asking, which is P5 for the first four kilometers and a P1 increase for the succeeding kilometers.
The LTFRB said the P1 fare increase is temporary as the board is yet to decide on the transport groups’ main petition.
Sanchez reminded PUJ operators to provide or honor the 20 percent discount onthe fares of senior citizens, persons with disability, and students.
The last time a fare hike was implemented across the county was in September 2022 when the LTFRB approved a provisional P1 hike, making the minimum fare P11 for traditional PUJs and P14 for the modern PUJs.
At the time, the LTFRB approved an additional 30 centavos and 40 centavos per succeeding kilometers for the traditional and modern PUJs, respectively.
There is no order yet to increase the flagdown rate of taxis, which is currently P40 with no increase for the succeeding kilometers. The additional P5 for the taxis’ flagdown rate was also approved in September last year. – Jane B. Cadalig
