Jeepney fare hike starts today

MANILA, Philippines - Starting today, jeepney drivers will charge an additional P.50 in the minimum fare in Metro Manila and Regions 3 and 4.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) yesterday finished the distribution of fare matrices to jeepney groups in these affected areas.

Those who have not gotten their copies could get them at the LTFRB central office.

The board warned that jeepney drivers could not imposed the fare increase if the matrix was not displayed conspicuously inside the vehicle.

The fare increase will be P0.50 for the first four kilometers or from P8 to P8.50; and P0.10 for every succeeding kilometer or from P1.40 to P1.50, subject to certain conditions.

Qualified senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities boarding jeepneys must be given 20-percent fare discount, which means that the minimum fare for them will be P6.80.