LTFRB: Cebu not covered by P1 bus fare hike

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has clarified that the P1 bus fare hike that it approved last week applies only to city buses.

This means, the fare hike does not apply in Cebu because the buses here are provincial buses, said LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra.

LTFRB also clarified earlier that Cebu and other areas in Central Visayas are not covered by the P10 minimum fare for jeepneys as the rate is applicable only in Region 3 and 4, and the National Capital Region.

Meanwhile, LTFRB-7 Director said the joint petition for a P4 fare hike in buses filed by the Cebu Bus Operators Association and the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association will undergo a public hearing on November 9, 2018.

The hearing will take place at the LTFRB office.

CPBOA spokesperson and CSMBOA President Julieto Flores said they have asked for the P4 increase – from P6 to P10 – for the first five kilometers, and another .30 centavos – from P1.20 to P1.50 – for the succeeding kilometer.

Flores said the increasing prices of fuel and spare parts are among the reasons why they are asking for an increase in bus fare.

To recall, Cebu bus operators increased their bus fare on February 1, 2018 to P6 from P5 for the first five kilometers and to P1.20 from P1 for every succeeding kilometer.

The increase in February, however, was way below than what was approved by LTFRB in 2008, which was P8.50 for the first five kilometers and P1.45 for the succeeding kilometers.

Due to cutthroat competition and an appeal by former Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the Cebu bus operators and the Cebu provincial government signed a memorandum of agreement to reduce the bus fare.

Since 2008 up to January 31, 2018, the bus operators collected only P5 for the first five kilometers and P1 for the succeeding meters, which was way below compared to the LTFRB approved bus fare.

Flores explained that in 2008, diesel price was only at P30 per liter but current price is already at P51 per liter.

Flores asked the riding public of understanding, as drivers and operators are also experiencing the brunt of fuel prices increases. — JMO (FREEMAN)