LTFRB approves P1 jeepney fare hike

MANILA, Philippines - Commuters must brace for higher fares for taxis and public utility jeepneys after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday approved a P1 increase on minimum fares.

The hike is approved for all jeepneys operating in Metro Manila and in Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.

LTFRB also approved a separate petition to revert the taxi base fare back to P40 in Metro Manila, Cebu and Panay.

Aileen Lizada, LTFRB board member, said it could take effect “the latest on Thursday” following the publication of the order.

She added that the draft order, which is already with chairman Martin Delgra, could be implemented immediately without waiting for 15 days after publication.

She clarified that the order falls under the quasi-judicial functions of the regulatory board and is not an administrative policy, which only takes effect 15 days after the publication.

LTFRB also approved a separate petition to revert the taxi base fare back to P40 in Metro Manila, Cebu and Panay.

Chairman Delgra said the LTFRB approved the fare increase petitions after considering the rising diesel prices and cost of goods.

The minimum fare for jeepneys will go up from the current P7 to P8 once the order is implemented. Delgra stressed though that the fare for succeeding kilometers would remain at P1.50 per kilometer.

Jeepney transport groups Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (ACTO), Pasang Masda, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP) and the Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines (LTOP) filed the petitions to increase the fares last year.