Commuters in the Cordillera were no longer spared from the increase in the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs).
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ordered on June 29 a P2 fare increase for PUJs, making the basic fare for traditional PUJs P11 and P13 for modernized PUJs for the first four kilometers.
Basic fare for traditional PUJs in the Cordillera was P9 for the first four kilometers and additional P1.50 for the succeeding kilometer while fare for the modernized PUJs used to be P11 and additional P1.80 for the succeeding kilometer.
The rate for the succeeding distances will remain, as the transport regulator did not provide any increase for the succeeding kilometer.
The LTFRB central office granted on June 29 the consolidated petitions of PUJ groups for a fare increase to help drivers and operators cope with the soaring prices of fuel.
PUJ drivers were also ordered to honor the 20 percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disability, and students.
Last month, the Cordillera was not included when the LTFRB approved a provisional P1 increase in the minimum fare for PUJs, as the order only covered Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Region 4-A or Calabarzon, and Region 4-B or Mimaropa.
In March, transport group 1-UTAK filed a petition for fare increase of P14 for the first four kilometers and P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer in Northern Luzon.
At the national front, transport groups said they would petition for another fare hike, saying the recently approved P2 increase is not enough for drivers and operators to cope with the continued increase in fuel prices. – Jane B. Cadalig
