LTFRB: Fare cuts start on Dec. 15

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded public transport operators yesterday to cut their fares at the first hour of Dec. 15.

LTFRB executive director Emmanuel Mahipus said the new fare would be P7.50 for jeepneys, P9 for ordinary buses in Metro Manila, and taxi drivers will no longer be able to demand the P10 compulsory tip.

He said they will closely monitor public transport operators to ensure that they are complying with the latest fare cut.

Mahipus clarified that the fare cut will only be good for three months, until the board decides on the main petition of the National Council for Commuters Protection (NCCP), which seeks to peg minimum fares at P7 for jeepneys and P8 for ordinary buses.

“The board will take into consideration the price of oil in the local market in its deliberation,” Mahipus said.

The final fare rate will be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority before the LTFRB implements the final fare rate for public utility vehicles. – Perseus Echeminada