To help drivers and operators: New fare matrix on installment

This could be a sign of the times, but even the acquisition of the Official Fare Matrix, which would allow drivers to charge the new fares starting Monday, can now be done on installment basis.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)-7 director Romulo Bernardes said drivers and operators of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) may opt to pay on installment the P520 for the matrix.

Unless a PUJ has this, the driver cannot collect the newly-mandated P8 minimum fare for the first five kilometers.

Bernardes said all the driver or operator has to do is make a P50 down payment and the rest is payable until the confirmation of the unit prior to the renewal of franchise.

The LTFRB thought of this scheme to make it easier for those with several units and those who are in very tight financial position to avail of the matrix.

The official matrix will be available starting tomorrow (Sunday).

On the same breadth, Bernardes urged the operators not to increase the rental of their units in order to help the drivers until the prices of gasoline and diesel would stabilize.

“Drivers should also prepare for the worst since there might be individuals who will file for fare reduction,” Bernardes said.

Taxis on the other hand will start implementing the P10 add-on to the total metered fare this July 24 yet, but only after they seek a ticket from the LTFRB.

The ticket’s cost is still to be determined, but sources said these could cost between P300 to P350.

The new minimum fare was welcomed by the City Integrated Transport Services Multipurpose Cooperative even if it is P.50 less than their petitioned increase.

John Clifford Niñal, Citrasco’s president said, the P8 rate was suggested and agreed in the public hearing.

He said such is already good news and said they are also expecting another form of assistance that may be extended by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to augment the income of drivers.

Citrasco is now complying with the requirements set by Malacañang for a livelihood grant that the drivers’ wives can avail of.

For its part, the Nagkahiusang Drivers sa Sugbo (NADSU) welcomed such increase, but will still call for the uniform rates nationwide.

In Manila and in the other parts of the country, the minimum fare is already P8.50.

From P6 minimum fare, LTFRB en banc granted the first round of P.50 provisional increase on May 21 and another in June 27. — /NLQ