Transport groups file P5 jeepney fare hike petition

MANILA, Philippines — Transport groups have filed a petition for a P5 fare hike for jeepneys, the second fare increase request filed before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in two weeks.

A P5 increase in minimum fare, including a P1 provisional increase, has been filed by Pasang Masda, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations and the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines.

The groups asked the LTFRB for a provisional adjustment for traditional jeepneys to P13 from the current P12.

The main petition asked the agency to increase the minimum fare to P17 for the first four kilometers, as well as to increase the succeeding kilometer rate to P2.80 from the current P1.80.

This comes as the LTFRB deferred its decision on the first fare hike requested by transport groups even amid the continuing rise in pump prices.

Earlier this month, four transport groups, namely the Liga ng Transportasyon at mga Operator sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide, Stop and Go Transport Coalition and the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines asked the LTFRB for a P2 fare hike.

The LTFRB directed transport leaders to file a formal petition before it takes action on the fare increase.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz said the board, along with other agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), would need to further review and validate the matter.

“Every fare increase has an economic impact, and that is what has to be studied carefully by other government agencies such as the NEDA in order to come up with a fare increase that is justifiable and will not create a huge economic burden,” Guadiz added.

For the LTFRB, the fare hike petition should follow procedures under the Public Service Act and a formal petition should be filed within five days.

LTOP president Lando Marquez questioned the LTFRB’s order for transport groups to file a formal petition, as he cited the agency’s Memorandum Circular No. 2019-035 that allows fare adjustments for public utility vehicles based on fuel price movements without the need to file a petition.