LTFRB orders jeepney fare rollback effective Friday

MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday issued a fare roll back of P7.50 to P7 on all public utility jeeps effective Friday.

With the released Order of Provisional Reduction of Fare dated January 21, jeepneys plying in Metro Manila, Regions 3 and 4 shall follow the minimum fare of P7. The order however clarified that the fare reduction only applies in the first 4 kilometers.

LTFRB said the succeeding kilometers after the first 4 kilometers shall remain at P1.50 per kilometer.

“Wherefore, finding that public service and convenience will be best served, the Board hereby orders an Additional Provisional Reduction of fare of Fifty Centavos for the first 4 kilometers or from a provisional fare of P7.50 to P7.00 of all PUJ’s plying in Metro Manila, Region 3 and 4. The incremental fares of the succeeding kilometers after the first 4 kilometers shall remain at 1.50 per kilometer, subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the Order of Provisional Reduction of Fare issued on 11 December 2015,” the order stated.

The board issued the order after transport groups including the Federation of Jeepney Operators and drivers association of the Philippines, Liga ng Mga Tsuper at Operator sa Pilipinas INC, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization and Pasang Masda Nationwide Inc. on Wednesday filed a petition asking to lower the jeepney fare. These groups want to voluntarily roll back the fare due to several price cuts on pump prices.

The LTFRB agreed with the consolidated petition reasoning out that the “confluence of the circumstances and incidents that transpired in local and world market, resolves to grant the instant consolidated petition for provisional reduction for PUJ services.”

LTFRB Chair Winston Ginez, board members Ronaldo Corpus and Antonio Enrile-Inton Jr. signed the order.

The decision was issued earlier than the scheduled Friday ruling.

RELATED: LTFRB to rule on fare reduction petition on Friday