Jeepney fare hike hearing today

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will be conducting a public hearing on the proposed increase in the fare for public utility jeepneys at the Cebu Normal University today at 2 p.m.

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon is encouraging the public to attend especially those who are opposed to the petition to increase jeepney fare by P1.50 for the first five kilometers,

“I am encouraging the public to take part on this public hearing in order for their sentiments be known,” Cuizon said.

So far, two groups have submitted their respective position papers expressing their opposition to the petition.

Cuizon added that the public hearing is supposed to be held at their regional office but due to its remote location and lack of parking area and space they opted to move the venue somewhere closer and more accessible to the riding public.

It can be recalled that LTFRB approved the 50 centavo provisional increase last March 21 in PUJ minimum fare making it P8 for the first five kilometers from the previous P7.50.

Should the P1.50 fare hike petition that was filed by the Cebu Integrated Transport Service Multi-purpose Cooperative be approved by LTFRB, Central Visayas’ PUJ fare would be P9.50.

In their petition CITRASCO chairman Ryan Benjamin Yu highlighted the spiraling prices of fuel products, particularly the diesel pump price which is now averaging at P47.50 per liter.

Yu also mentioned the escalation of the costs of other products needed in their public transport operations such as oils, lubricants, tires and spare parts. 

Meanwhile, LTFRB board member Manuel Iway said that the petition to increase taxi fare by P10 for the first five kilometers and another P1 for the next succeeding kilometers will be made on April 12 at the LTFRB-Central Office.

It can be recalled that the Philippine National Taxi Operators Association filed the said petition citing the continued rising cost of automotive LPG.

Cuizon added that although the public hearing on the petition to increase taxi fare will be heard in Manila, the regional office will still accept and forward to their head office any position paper on the matter. –(FREEMAN)