Fare surge a test case for LTFRB-7

CEBU, Philippines -  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 said that the “fare surge” petition that a transport group intends to file next month would be a test case for them.

LTFRB-7 director Ahmed Cuizon admitted that it has never been practiced anywhere in the country except for the Transport Network Vehicles System like Uber and Grab cars.

"Kanang fare surge is practice only by TNVS not with PUJs. But di sad ko kaingon nga LTFRB will immediately disapprove it. We will see first their petition. So far, none has filed yet," Cuizon said.

 Benjamin Yu, chairman and general manager of Cebu Integrated Transport Cooperative, earlier said he will file the fare surge petition next month to ask for P1.50 increase in the minimum fare during peak hours.

Yu is proposing that the P1.50 fare surge shall be collected from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Yu said that they have decided to ask for an increase during peak hours only to compensate for the loss of income of the drivers due to traffic congestion. The plan is also supported by the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union-Central Visayas, the Visayas United Drivers Transport Cooperative and other transport organizations.

According to them, the worsening traffic situation in Metro Cebu has affected their income. (FREEMAN NEWS)