P1 jeepney fare hike begins today

MANILA, Philippines — The riding public will now pay a minimum fare of P9 for jeepneys plying certain areas starting today.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Friday signed the order granting the P1 provisional fare hike for public utility vehicles in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.  

READ: A P1 provisional fare hike was granted by the LTFRB in an order signed this morning. It effectively increased min PUJ fares from P8 to P9 l @PhilippineStar pic.twitter.com/MZB1z28biG

— Romina Cabrera (@romina_marie) July 6, 2018

The order, which increases the fare for the first four kilometers to P9 from P8, takes effect immediately. There will be no increase in succeeding kilometers.

The board cited the rise in oil prices in the world market and the increase in the prices of commodities.

“While the board recognizes the plight of the Filipino people everytime an increase on the prices of commodities occurs, it cannot be insensitive to the present clamor of stakeholders in public land transportation services for necessary action relative to fare rates,” LTFRB said.

It added: “Thus, the board has judiciously balanced the rights of the riding public who are mostly dependent on the public transport system vis-à-vis the right of grantees of certificate of public convenience to a reasonable return of investment.”

Last Wednesday, the LTFRB approved the provisional fare increase for the first four kilometers of PUJs plying the three regions.

The petition was filed by Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drives Association of the Philippines, Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines Inc. and Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburb Drivers Association Nationwide Inc. — Gaea Katreena Cabico with reports from Romina Cabrera